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Realistic expectations for Chris Petersen’s Washington Huskies

By Tommy Tabler

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The Washington Huskies were an up and down football team in 2014. The question on everyone’s mind, is what can Washington Huskies’ fans expect in 2015?

Chris Petersen has gotten used to winning over the past decade, and last year’s 8-6 record is not what he is used to. For Washington Huskies’ fans over the past few years, the 8-6 record is about what they have become accustomed to. Questions at the quarterback and key positions along the defense have tempered enthusiasm a bit this season.

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The Washington quarterback competition appears to be still up in the air. Freshmen Jake Browning, Jeff Lindquist, and K.J. Carta-Samuels are all in the mix to be the starter when the Huskies open at Boise State.

The expectations are high to see Browning at some point in the season. According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, “it remains a real possibility that the Huskies could play both a true freshmen at quarterback and a true freshmen on the offensive line this season.”

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The Huskies’ rushing attack could be a surprising strength this season. Running back Dwayne Washington has excellent speed and showed flashes last season of becoming a consistent player. The receiving corps should be solid with Jaydon Mickens returning for his senior season. Finding a quarterback to distribute the ball will be vital for Petersen’s offense.

Washington’s defense could take a step back this season. Losing Danny Shelton, Shaq Thompson, and Hau’oli Kikaha is going to hurt, at least until the Huskies can find guys that will step up. Petersen seems to be impressed with breakout player of the year candidate Budda Baker and a few other players on the defensive side of the ball. Travis Feeney and Cory Littleton could turn into solid players through the course of the season.

Telling Washington fans to expect a tough season, seems a bit cruel but a 7-5 or 8-4 type of season seems to be on the horizon. The Huskies have too many questions to answer for me to predict something higher than 8-4. Petersen is going to continue to build the Huskies the way he did Boise State. Questions will either be answered during the Boise State game or more questions will spring up.

Give me your thoughts Huskies’ fans on the upcoming season. I look forward to hearing from you.

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