FanPost

Washington vs Hawaii - Passing Comparison

The Chris Petersen era officially kicks off this Saturday in the Hawaiian Islands as Washington takes on the University of Hawai’i Warriors. Both schools feature Sophomore quarterbacks: Jeff LIndquist (UW) vs. Ikaika Woolsey (Hawai’i). Lindquist has no official passing stats yet, while Woolsey is 11 of 29 for 143 yards with 0 TDs and 3 INTs.Huskies vs Warriors coverageHuskies vs Warriors coverage

Hawai'i head coach, Norm Chow, is 3-20 in two seasons and rumors surfaced last December that June Jones might be headed back to the Islands to lead the Hawai'i program again. Chow changed the Hawai'i offense from the run and shoot deployed by Jones to a pro-style offense. Hawai'i's offense struggled to gain its form in 2012, but rebounded in 2013.

Hawai’i has thrown approximately 5,000 more yards than Washington over the last five seasons. However, Washington QBs have a higher QBR (137.37) than Hawai'i (131.67) over the last five seasons, despite throwing 5,000 fewer passing yards and 19 less touchdowns. UW QB’s were more accurate with a 2.0% higher completion ratio to attempts vs. the Warriors despite making 700 fewer attempts and Hawai’i QB’s threw INT’s at 1.44x rate of Husky QB’s over this stretch. Both Washington and Hawai'i have thrown for 7.3 yards per attempt over the last five seasons.

Given the inexperience on both sides of the ball this weekend, whichever sophomore quarterback can keep from making mistakes and turning the ball over, gives his team an advantage in the game. This is where the Dawgs separate themselves from the Warriors. Washington is +19 over the past five seasons in turnover margin, while Hawai'i is -25. That's a difference of 44 turnovers or almost 1 extra turnover a game.

Playing on the road in college football with a new coach and a young quarterback can be a challenge. However, both teams have young, inexperienced quarterbacks. Washington has the better defense and protects the ball better than the Warriors. These factors should allow the Huskies to kick off the Chris Petersen era with a victory.