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Pac 12 Football: Preseason 2016 Conference Power Rankings

By Ryan Young

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) scores a 28 yard reception and touchdown against the Southern California Trojans in the fourth quarter of the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi /
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Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws out a pass during the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) throws out a pass during the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Last Season Record: 7-6 Overall, 4-5 Pac-12
  • Season Opener: Rutgers | Sept. 3
  • Key Games: at Washington State, at Oregon

Washington has a ton of hype heading into the season, which is weird. Since going winless in 2008, the Huskies have been just average, winning nine or more games just once. Yet this season shaping out to be different — at least for now.

Chris Petersen, the former Boise State coach, went just 8-6 and 7-6 in his first two years in Washington, but now seems to have his program’s foundation built. The Husky defense was stellar last season, allowing just 18.8 points per game.

The offense wasn’t great last season, but shows promise. Sophomore quarterback Jake Browning, who had nearly 3,000 yards and threw for 16 touchdowns as a freshman last year, has potential for another great season. Myles Gaskin, Browning’s running back, ran for more than 1,300 yards last year, too. Pairing those two with a strong offensive line and a solid receiving core that is returning several members from last year, the Husky offense could come out strong and make a statement in the Pac-12 North.

Overall, the Huskies have the talent to make the Pac-12 championship game this season. It’ll take getting past Stanford at home, and both California and Oregon on the road, though, all of which will be a tall task.

Next: Number 3

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