Top defenses in Pac-12 meet when Huskies face No. 13 Utah

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Friday, November 6, 2015 6:03pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — If Chris Petersen’s assessment of the 13th-ranked Utah Utes sounds familiar, it’s because the Utes look a lot like another strong, talented outfit the Washington Huskies already played this season.

That was the Pac-12 North-leading Stanford Cardinal, which hammered the Huskies 31-14 two weeks ago in Palo Alto. Afterward, Petersen marveled at Stanford’s size and experience, acknowledging that UW would someday like to field a similar squad.

And scouting Utah inspired a similar thought from the Huskies coach.

“This is another type of program,” Petersen said, “that you’re going ‘OK, this is kind of what we’d like our guys to look like here down the road.’”

And that mostly starts with Utah’s defense, which hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since November 2014 — a span of 10 games — and allows opponents to rush for just 113.1 yards per game and 3.47 yards per carry, both of which rank atop the Pac-12.

The Utes (7-1, 4-1 in Pac-12) also allow just 21.4 points per game, a stingier scoring defense than every Pac-12 team but Washington.

“They’re not trying to fool you,” UW offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith said. “They’re running similar schemes, all eight games. But they’re something to be reckoned with.”

So if the Huskies are to record their first victory over a ranked opponent at Husky Stadium since beating No. 19 Boise State in the 2013 season opener — and continue their progress toward a bowl bid — they’re likely going to have to win a slugfest. And probably move the ball a little better than they did against Stanford, which held UW to just two first downs in the first half of that ugly loss two weeks ago.

There is reason to think this game could be different, though, just as there is a reason the unranked Huskies are favored by 11/2 points against a top-15 team. For one, quarterback Jake Browning returned last week from a shoulder injury and had his best game of the season, throwing for 263 yards and four touchdowns without an interception in the Huskies’ 49-3 ransacking of Arizona.

And while Utah has succeeded in assembling a salty defense, the Utes won’t inspire much fear with their offense. Star tailback Devontae Booker, the Pac-12’s third-leading rusher with 966 yards and nine touchdowns, is of most concern. But Utah’s passing game is fairly average — led by senior quarterback Travis Wilson, it ranks sixth in the conference in pass efficiency — and the Utes rank eighth in the league in scoring offense (33.8 points per game).

Against Washington’s top-ranked scoring defense, the Utes might struggle to move the ball. But the Huskies have still been less consistent than the Utes offensively, and have yet to impress against a talented defense.

“I think we’re going to have to do a good job of making plays on the ball,” said senior tight end Joshua Perkins. “We’re going to have one-on-one coverage, so the quarterback is going to give us a chance, so we just have to go out there and make plays for him.”

Petersen echoed that on Thursday, emphasizing that “you’re going to have to win your one-on-one battles. There’s not a ton of zone coverage in there where you’re going to have these big seams.”

Utah also ranks 14th nationally in turnover margin, at plus-8 through eight games.

“They play really, really hard,” Petersen said, “they know what they’re doing, and they’re not going to give you anything.”

At their best, that’s probably how Petersen would like this young Huskies team to be described by opponents.

And it’s how they’ll have to play on Saturday to take another important step toward bowl eligibility.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.