Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Psalm Wooching (28) gets a hand on Stanford Cardinal quarterback Keller Chryst (10) during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Photo Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Only two years ago, in Chris Petersen’s first trip to Autzen as Washington’s head coach, the Huskies were a 21.5-point underdog. Four years ago, with Steve Sarkisian coaching, Washington was a 25.5-point underdog. Six years ago, the Ducks were favored by 37 points in Eugene.
Now fast forward to Sunday. With the programs headed in different directions this season, Washington opened as an 8.5-point favorite. It will be the first time in 20 years the Huskies will be favored on the road against Oregon. They were a 6.5-point favorite in 1996 and won 33-14. Their last win in Eugene was in 2002.
“It is on,” Washington defensive end Joe Mathis said of facing Oregon. “We have to get some work in and get ready. We need to build off of this (44-6 win over Stanford last Friday) and do even better this week.”
The reason for the significant swing in the fortunes of Washington and Oregon: Extreme contrasting starts to the season. Washington is 5-0, coming off an impressive 44-6 rout of Stanford in Seattle while Oregon is reeling with a 2-3 start after losing 51-33 at Washington State last week, the Ducks’ third straight loss. Oregon is 11-7 since playing in the 2014 title game.
Despite the odds in its favor, Washington still has Oregon running back Royce Freeman to deal with after he gained 307 yards rushing in the previous two matchups between the Ducks and Huskies.
Washington managed to subdue Heisman Trophy candidate Christian McCaffrey last week, holding him to only 47 yards on 12 carries. Stanford managed only 29 yards on 30 carries a week after Arizona rushed for 308 yards on 43 carries against the Huskies in Tucson.
Eight sacks and two more tackles for lost yards, totaling 52 yards lost, is the reason for the Huskies shutting down Stanford’s running game.
“You don’t think it’s going to go that well against a team like Stanford,” Petersen said. “I think those kids were playing really inspired ball by the energy in that stadium (a sellout crowd of 72,027 at Husky Stadium).
“They were excited to play Stanford anyways, but I know it hasn’t felt like that certainly since I have been here. I know that was a different deal for me, it was awesome.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Jake Browning, a sophomore, has started 17 of his 18 games with Washington. He enters the Oregon game Saturday as the No. 3 quarterback in the nation in pass efficiency. Against Stanford last week, he completed 15 of 21 pass attempts for 210 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
–RB Myles Gaskin, a sophomore, recorded his third and fourth rushing touchdowns of the season — fifth overall — in Washington’s win over Stanford. He has scored a touchdown in 11 of 18 career games. He now has 19 career touchdowns, most among Washington’s active players. Gaskin (100 yards on 18 carries) reached 100 yards rushing for the first time this season and the ninth time in his career.
–OLB Psalm Wooching’s three sacks against Stanford tie him with numerous players for 10th most in Washington single-game history. He also forced a fumble and broke up a pass.
–WR John Ross scored his eighth touchdown this season, his sixth through the air, in the win over Stanford. He now has 17 career touchdowns (11 receiving, four kickoff returns and two rushing).
–LB Keishawn Bierria recorded his NCAA-leading fourth fumble recovery in the third quarter against Stanford. That total is tied for second-most in Washington single-season history.
