PLAYERS TO WATCH
–LT Trey Adams underwent what was initially believed to be season-ending back surgery in August, but he made his return to the field against Oregon State. A preseason All-American, Adams gives the Washington offensive line a needed anchor in time to face the Pac-12’s most prolific sack-producing defense (34 in 11 games).
–TE Hunter Bryant made a splash in just his second game back on the 2018 season. Bryant caught two passes for 55 yards in the win over Oregon State, rekindling the frequent connection made between QB Jake Browning and Bryant a season ago.
–CB Jordan Miller missed both the Oct. 27 game at Cal and Nov. 3 matchup with Stanford. The bye week facilitated his return, adding veteran depth to the Washington secondary ahead of a key matchup with Washington State’s multifaceted corps of pass-catchers.
–LB D.J. Beavers was yet another Husky to take advantage of the bye week, returning to the lineup for the first time since Week 1 after the off-Saturday. Beavers adds versatility to the unit this week, which will have to deal with Washington State’s effective pass-catching running back, James Williams.
SERIES HISTORY: Washington leads the series with Washington State, 72-32-6. The programs first met in 1900, in a game that ended in a 5-5 tie. In more recent years, the Huskies have dominated the Apple Cup. Chris Petersen-coached teams have won each of the last four by a combined 108 points; the Huskies also have a five-game winning streak that predates Petersen’s arrival by a year.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s a short week. That’s a big deal for us. … On offense we are always trying to scheme and dream and taking a day away is tough. (Washington State’s) is a unique offense obviously, it kind of changes everything we do on defense just because of their stuff. We will go right back to work tomorrow.” — Chris Petersen on the six-day turnaround between Oregon State and the Apple Cup on Friday.
