GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: The BYU offensive line is massive, going 308.5 pounds per starter on average. Against Washington’s Pac-12 counterpart Arizona, the Cougars successfully wore down the Wildcats with their size, resulting in a 21-point outpouring in the third quarter that effectively won the game.
Washington’s defense is a much different entity, though, featuring a 330-pound anchor in tackle Greg Gaines. The Huskies certainly have the size to counter BYU’s offensive front — but so did Wisconsin, and the Cougars opened holes for ball-carriers to break off runs at a 6.8-per carry clip.
DRAFT SLANT
–RT Kaleb McGary has effectively become the anchor of Washington’s offensive line in the wake of Trey Adams’ season-ending injury. McGary built considerable draft buzz last season, and he heads into the last three quarters of his college career playing with a chip on his shoulder. McGary told reporters following the Sept. 1 loss to Auburn that defeats anger him more than just disappoint.
Playing angry against a talented BYU defense might be in order for Washington to move the ball in Week 5.
ROSTER REPORT:
–C Nick Harris, who missed time at the beginning of the season, is questionable for Week 5 due to a knee injury.
–RB Myles Gaskin inched past Johnathan Franklin to become the Pac-12’s sixth all-time leading rusher at 4,412 yards; Franklin finished his career at UCLA with 4,403. After surpassing three players in two weeks, it may be a while before Gaskin reaches fifth-place Marcus Allen. The former Heisman-winning USC running back finished his career with 4,810 yards.
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