PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Kamari Pleasant handled the majority of rushing responsibilities last week against Cal, with RB Myles Gaskin sidelined for a second consecutive game. Pleasant rushed 12 times for 62 yards.
–WR Ty Jones scored Washington’s only touchdown in Saturday’s loss at Cal. Jones has been Washington’s primary big-play threat in the passing game throughout the season, averaging 17.3 yards per reception. His six scoring catches are also a team-high.
–LB Ben Burr-Kirven comes in with a nation-leading 122 tackles and will play a central role in Washington slowing the Stanford rushing attack.
–CB Byron Murphy will likely line up opposite Stanford WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, the Cardinal’s primary big-play threat. Murphy played a key role in Washington limiting Arizona State standout N’Keal Harry, a player with a similar skill set as Arcega-Whiteside, to a season-low 20 yards receiving.
SERIES HISTORY: Washington leads the series against Stanford, 42-41-4. The Huskies’ 44-6 rout of the Cardinal in 2016 snapped a three-game skid in the series, but they have won two of the last three played at Husky Stadium.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We shot ourselves in the foot a few times with some penalties and those were just rhythm killers, and we couldn’t get that back going. We just couldn’t sustain drives and get into a rhythm.” — TE Drew Sample on Washington’s offensive struggles