That’s a unique place. Now do I think that we can get Washington eventually up to competing for Pac-12 championships? I do, or I wouldn’t have come here — and I believe that. But I think we’re talking about apples and oranges. – Chris Petersen, on moving from Boise State to Washington
Third in a 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 football season.
BURBANK, Calif. — Washington coach Chris Petersen isn’t likely to duplicate the success he had at Boise State. In eight seasons with the Broncos, Petersen’s teams posted a 92-12 record. His first campaign with the Huskies ended with an 8-6 mark.
Replicating the Boise State situation and the dominant number of wins anywhere, he acknowledged, may be an impossible task.
“That’s a unique place,” he said. “Now do I think that we can get Washington eventually up to competing for Pac-12 championships? I do, or I wouldn’t have come here — and I believe that. But I think we’re talking about apples and oranges.”
The two will mix, however, in this year’s season opener when Washington visits Boise State Sept. 4 at Albertsons Stadium.
“That turf is still blue?” Petersen joked at Pac-12 Media Days. He went on to say the big deal is the guys in the blue uniforms and not the color of the field.
Even so, Petersen’s main concern is with the Huskies.
“By the time we get there you’re worried about your team — that you’ve prepared them well and they’re ready to play good football,” Petersen said.
Jaydon Mickens, senior wide receiver
OFFENSE: Washington’s projected starter at quarterback, junior Jeff Lindquist, has attempted only 30 passes in his college career. The Huskies are also low on experience on the line with just two returning starters. Fortunately for Washington, several veterans are back in the fold. Players to watch include senior wide receiver Jaydon Mickens (60 catches), senior tight end Joshua Perkins (25 catches), junior running back Dwayne Washington (697 yards rushing) and sophomore running back Lavon Coleman (565 yards rushing).
Travis Feeney, senior linebacker
DEFENSE: After having four players taken in the first 44 picks of the NFL draft and seven starters total departing the program, Washington’s defense is in a rebuilding mode. Senior linebacker Travis Feeney is the lone returning starter in the front seven. The secondary has three starters back in the mix — senior safety Kevin King, sophomore safety Budda Baker and sophomore cornerback Sidney Jones. Last season, the Huskies ranked second in the Pac-12 in defending the run — allowing 124 yards per game.
EXTRA POINTS: Junior kicker Cameron Van Winkle led Washington with 107 points last year and senior Korey Durkee averaged 42.1 yards per punt . . . The Huskies host both Utah State (Sept. 19) and Utah (Nov. 7) this fall.
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