Pac-12 Football - 2021 Washington Huskies Preview
Our Washington Huskies preview 2021 observes that last year was the first time in a decade that this team did not appear in a bowl game. Although the Huskies topped the Pac-12 North with a 3-1 record, the pandemic forced them to forego the conference title match. Thus, there was no bowl berth coming their way. The Washington offense was about average, as it scored 30.2 PPG (5th Pac-12, 48th Nationally) and accumulated 402.8 YPG (9th Pac-12, 57th Nationally). However, the defense proved to be stalwart, allowing 25.0 PPG (2nd Pac-12, 39th Nationally) and 346.2 YPG (1st Pac-12, 27th Nationally).
Washington Offense
Seven starters return on offense, including sophomore QB Dylan Morris. Last season, Morris completed 60.9 percent of his 110 passes for 897 yards and four TDs while tossing three picks. He also averaged 3.4 yards per rush, scoring twice on the ground. Morris is sound and disciplined. However, he’s not a shoo-in as starter. Expect five-star recruit Sam Huard, who comes to the Huskies with a Washington and NFL pedigree, to give Morris a run for his money. The receiving corps includes last year’s starting tight end and pass-catching leader Cade Otto. Otto recorded 18 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Dual threat wideout Terrell Bynum, a senior, will likely start as will freshman Rome Odunze and sophomore Ja’Lynn Polk, a Texas Tech transfer. All have at least some starting experience.
Four running backs are ready to go, and each one can expect to see action. Last season, Sean McGrew, Kamari Pleasant, and Richard Newton combined for over 500 yards and nine TDs. McGrew and Newton each averaged 5.3 YPA, while Pleasant was good for 4.2 YPA. The entire starting frontline returns. They are big, experienced, and skilled.
Washington Huskies Preview 2021 - Defense
The defense returns eight starters but loses coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski to Texas. Former Husky linebacker coach Bib Gregory takes over a solid unit. Upfront, Tuli Letuligaseona returns after missing much of last season due to injury. He’s a major playmaker. All-Pac-12 OLB Zion Tupuola-Fetui, who recorded seven sacks last season was lost this spring to a ruptured Achilles. Still, this group has talent, as Ryan Bowman returns and five-star recruit Sav’ell Smalls joins him. Plus, Texas A&M transfer Jeremiah Martin, who looked impressive this spring, will be an instant contributor.
ILBs Edufuan Ulofoshio and Jackson Sirmon, each of whom started every game last season as sophomores, were the number one and two tacklers on the team. Ulofoshio recorded 47 tackles and Sirmon had 27. Trent McDuffie, who posted 1.5 TFL and one pick, and strong safety Asa Turner, who recorded one PBU and one INT, are part of a secondary with thin ranks. McDuffie, who was second-team All-Pac-12 last year, will be joined by Oklahoma transfer Brendan Radley-Hiles. Turner is joined by free safety Alex Cook. Safety is the weakest part of this D and requires a quick upgrade.
Specialists
Our Washington Huskies preview 2021 finds that the kicking positions are both two deep. Expect last season’s starting punter, Race Porter, who averaged 42.4 YPP, to start again. Senior placekicker Peyton Henry, who was 13-14 on extra points and 6-9 on field goals, offers dependability. McDuffie and McGrew are slated to bring back punts and kicks respectively.
Washington Huskies Preview 2021 - Projection
We expect the Huskies to be tough this season. On November 6, they meet Oregon in a contest that could determine which team takes the North Division. Our Washington Huskies preview 2021 questions the secondary and wonders how effective the pass attack will be. The Huskies do have a kind schedule, which should help. However, the September 11 game at Michigan won’t be easy and will say a lot about this team’s future.
Pac-12 Football - Washington Huskies 2021 - Predictions:
Second Place - Pac-12 North
Holiday Bowl vs Louisville