Kent State (0-0) at Washington (0-0)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Husky Stadium
TV: FS1 Radio: SportsRadio 950 KJR.
Latest line: Huskies by 21.5
UW key players
QB Michael Penix Jr.: 53.7% completions, 939 passing yards, 7 pass TD, 7 INT, 2 rush TD (2021)
WR Rome Odunze: 41 catches, 415 receiving yards, 10.1 yards per reception, 4 TD (2021)
Edge Zion Tupuola-Fetui: 8 tackles, 1 sack (2021)
CB Jordan Perryman: 63 tackles, 12 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT (2021)
Kent State key players
QB Collin Schlee: 70.8% completions, 238 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 127 rush yards, 3 rush TD (2021)
RB Marquez Cooper: 1,205 rush yards, 5.0 yards per carry, 11 rush TD, 95 receiving yards
S Dean Clark: 116 tackles, 3 PBU, 2 TFL
CB Montre Miller: 47 tackles, 9 PBU, 4 INT, 2.5 TFL, 1 FF, 1 fumble recovery
Stuffing the run
This, we know, is a familiar refrain. In an endlessly frustrating 2021 season, UW’s run defense rapidly disintegrated — ranking 10th in the Pac-12 in opponent yards per carry (4.76) and 11th in rushing yards allowed per game (194). With a new coaching staff, that remains a concern — as starting defensive lineman Sam “Taki” Taimani transferred to rival Oregon this offseason and standout linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio will miss at least the first half of the season with an injury. It’ll be up to a youthful defensive line and an intriguing mix of transfers ad returners at linebacker to hold the line up front. In that regard, UW will be immediately tested — as Kent State ranked third in the nation in rushing offense (averaging 248.8 yards per game) and ninth in yards per carry (5.38) in 2021. Running back Marquez Cooper and quarterback Collin Schlee will both be dangerous rushing weapons for Washington to defend.
Establishing Penix
On the other side, Kent State finished 94th nationally in opponent completion percentage (63.2%) and 116th in passing defense (266 yards per game) last fall — meaning the Huskies should have some opportunities through the air. It’ll be important to give quarterback Michael Penix Jr. — who has had four consecutive seasons shortened due to injury — some rhythm and confidence in his first start at UW, and he has no shortage of weapons to target Saturday. Wide receivers Jalen McMillan, Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk and Giles Jackson will be the focal points, while tight ends Devin Culp and Jack Westover are capable pass-catchers as well. We’ve been hearing all offseason about this offense’s explosiveness and ability to put its players in positions to succeed. It’s time to show it. It’s time to display for some snake-bitten Husky fans that this team and this offense is different than the one that sputtered inside Husky Stadium last fall. It’s time to show, too, why Penix was the man for the job.
Finishing strong
UW and Kent State both struggled mightily to finish games in 2021. The Huskies outscored their opponents 128-110 in the first half, only to be outscored 162-130 in the second half and overtime (including 115-186 in the fourth quarter). Kent State’s disparity was even more stark. Despite possessing one of the nation’s premier rushing offenses, the Golden Flashes outscored opponents 254-197 in the first half, and were outscored 311-208 in the second half and overtime. From a UW perspective, the second half dip was likely due to players physically wearing down in the closing minutes, and a coaching staff that struggled to adapt to in-game adjustments. The Huskies made a point of becoming both stronger and trimmer this offseason, and it’s worth noting that Fresno State didn’t struggle with halftime adjustments last season, outscoring opponents 113-40 in the third quarter. We’ll see which team lasts on Saturday night.
Vorel’s prediction
Let’s get this out of the way: Kent State is not Montana. The Golden Flashes are better than Montana. Much better, in fact. But this time around, Washington is better, too. UW’s offense, specifically, should be significantly improved — with a quarterback capable of exposing advantageous matchups, wide receivers built to expose secondaries, and a system that has worked regardless of program or personnel. UW’s defense, meanwhile, is precariously think at several spots — including defensive line and cornerback — and it will be immediately tasked with stopping the run on Saturday. They’ll give up some yards, but they’ll gain a lot more. Also, keep an eye on the turnover battle — where Washington finished with a negative differential (-0.58) last fall for the first time since 2008. UW’s new defense may give up more explosive plays than its predecessor, but it’s designed to cause more havoc, too. With an efficient offense and an opportunistic defense, UW will win in Kalen DeBoer’s debut.
Final score: Huskies 41, Golden Flashes 17