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Seattle, WA - Now that the Huskies have evened out their record to 1-1 with an easy win over Sacramento State, a much stiffer test in the Utah State Aggies is next in line. The Aggies have been a very stout team the past 5 seasons, and with the way they played Utah last week, that pattern appears to be continuing:
Where: Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
When: Saturday, September 19, 2015
2:00 p.m. Pacific/ 3:00 p.m. Mountain
TV Schedule: Pac-12 Networks, Kevin Calabro (play-by-play), Yogi Roth (color) and Lewis Johnson (sidelines)
Radio: KOMO AM-1000/FM-97.7; Sirius (137) and XM (197)
Game-Week Previews: Our Game Week Coverage; and their Preview for the game
(Just about everything you'll need to read before you catch the game.)
How to Watch and Listen to the Huskies:
Audio Stream viaTuneIn - Video Stream via Pac-12 Networks Live
History
I have been a Utah State fan for quite a while. I like their coach, I love their aggressive style of defense, and I love it when they beat BYU. Washington currently owns this series, with an undefeated record ... that would be 2-0. There was a fair distance between these games, since the Huskies and the Aggies first played in 1904, while the second game was in 1998. The Huskies won the first game 45-0. The second game had a similar tenor to it, as the Dawgs pulled off the victory in a rather easy fashion, winning 53-12. That game, the defense racked up 13 sacks, six of them coming in the first quarter. The Huskies were able to pull away and win in a decisive fashion, despite having to start a little-known backup quarterback named Marques Tuiasasopo.
Numbers
0 - The number of rushing touchdowns the Aggies have this year.
2 - The number of teams in the top 25 for opponent's passer rating who have had more passes thrown at them per game than the Huskies.
2.48 - Husky opponent's yards per rushing attempt this season.
3 - The number of sacks the Husky defense has accumulated through 2 games.
3 - The number of picks Keeton has thrown this season in 2 games.
14.62 - Utah State's average yards per punt return this season.
21.88 - Aggie opponents' third down conversion rate.
28 - UW's third down conversion rate.
29.03 - Utah State's third down conversion rate.
55.9 - Chuckie Keeton's completion percentage this season.
56.9 - Completion percentage of opposing QB's this season against the Huskies.
96.39 - Passer rating of Quarterbacks facing the Husky Defense this year.
128.5 - Utah states rushing yards per game average.
Interesting Stats I had a difficult time putting above:
Utah States ground game has had trouble moving forward as their games have progressed this season. Their first quarter yards per carry is 5.16, their second quarter yards per carry is 4.41; their third quarter yards per carry is 3.85; and their fourth quarter yards per carry is 1.89. Their total number of rushing attempts were pretty equal across the board. It looks like their offense line has been worn down by opposing front sevens and has made the Aggies almost one dimensional as their games have progressed. Hmm ... very interesting.
I was slightly surprised by this, but apparently the Huskies had a worse third down conversion rate against Sac. State last week than they did against Boise state. While they had a mediocre conversion rate of 28.57 (4 for 14) against the Broncos, it was even worse, at home, against the Hornets, where they sported a paultry 27.27 third down conversion rate (3 for 11).
Offense:
Will the offense continue its evolution and progression? Can I please see some run blocking? How will the O-Line pick up the inevitable blitzes coming its way? How will Jake Browning handle the pressure? Can I see a tunnel screen or two with Darrel Daniels on the receiving end?
Defense:
How much longer will the scoreless quarter streak last? Can our pass rush cause some Keeton errant throws? Will Mr. King get a third interception in as many games? Will Azeem Victor get his head screwed on correctly? Can we please see more than 2 sack in a game?
Miscellaneous:
Is Chuckie Keeton's original first name actually Chuckie? What is an Aggie? Why doesn't everyone own an Alaskan Malamute? Who would win an MMA match between Bill Gates and Donald Trump?
Conclusion
This game has scared me since it was scheduled. Utah State poses a very unique test for this team. While their defense isn't as technically sound as Boise State, they are not afraid to get after the quarterback. One of most glaring weaknesses by our offensive line has been blitz pickup. Up to this point, the Huskies haven't had to pick up many blitzes. That is going to change in a significant way this week. I feel safe in calling it a baptism by fire.
What I'm hoping for is that our O-line does a lot of growing up this weekend, and finally figures out how to block everybody, this includes the tight ends, and as the game wears on we should see the tackles and guards get much more comfortable adjusting to oncoming pass rushers.
Once again, I expect a slow start from the offense as they adjust to the speed and ferocity of the Utah State defense. Look for the Huskies to stall a bunch on the field, either settling for some long field goals, or pooch punting, quite a bit in the first quarter and a half. I predict their first offensive touchdown to be scored with about 5 minutes left in the second.
I also expect the Utah State offense to get its running game going early, to open up the passing game for Mr. Keeton. However, I think the Husky front 7 is going to get after their run game, and make the Aggies into a one-dimesional offense by the middle of the third quarter.
Get ready for a hard-fought game, where the Husky depth proves to be the Aggies' undoing, as the Huskies pull away in the third and fourth quarters for a comfortable 10 point victory.
More Info
Gameday Dots
- This is a nice feature on UCLA transfer Ben Wysocki, an offensive lineman graduate transfer who decided to get out of LA, and instead opt for the small college town of Logan, UT.
- The Deseret News called the Huskies an "offensive powerhouse," in their preview of the game. They obviously missed the game against Boise State ...
Vegas Odds
The Huskies are 2-0 against the spread this season, and have been under the point total in each of their games this season.This week they are 7 point favorites, and the over under currently sits at 44 points. This is courtesy of Vegas Insider (not to be confused with vegan insider).
Gamethread
If you're up for a bunch of emotional nutcases, and lots of swear words, come on over to the game thread and chat for a little while. There might be some nuts in the room, but hey, everyone knows the etymology for the word fan comes from the British word fancy; rest assured that our loyal Husky lunatics will be extra fancy this week.