After three consecutive 7-6 seasons, the pressure is starting to build on Washington Huskies coach Steve Sarkisian, but with 18 starters back and and a refurbished stadium, this may just be his best team yet. The Huskies enter the year at 100-1 Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Championship.
The Huskies were expected to take the next step into top 25 contention last season, but they opened 3-4 with a difficult schedule and lost their final two games. Washington has the talent to contend for a spot in the preseason top 25, but Sarkisian has to get quarterback Keith Price back on track after a disappointing year. After throwing for 3,063 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2011, most expected Price to be one of the Pac-12’s top quarterbacks in 2012. Instead of showing progress, Price watched his passing yards (2,726) and touchdowns (19) decrease, while his interceptions rose to 13. Considering the struggles on the offensive line, it’s unfair to pin all of the passing attack’s problems on Price. The senior will be surrounded by one of the conference’s top receiving corps, and the offensive line figures to be better in 2013.
Washington made significant progress on the defensive side of the ball last year, and this unit could be one of the Pac-12’s best in 2013. Each level should be solid, but the defensive line returns Josh Shirley, Andrew Hudson and Danny Shelton, while the pass rush could get a boost if Hau’oli Jamora returns to full strength after missing 2012 due to a knee injury. The biggest question mark on defense is the secondary, where the Huskies have to replace two standouts in cornerback Desmond Trufant and safety Justin Glenn. Trufant was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection last season, while Glenn recorded 76 stops and three interceptions. Gregory Ducre, Marcus Peters and Tre Watson are the top returning options, with Peters likely to be Washington’s No. 1 corner in 2013.
With a more imposing Husky Stadium, a new era of Washington football excellence is expected. The Huskies have nearly everyone back, but they need Price at the top of his game. Anything short of eight or nine wins and more serious title contention will be disappointing for a program eager to return to the national conversation.
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