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5 Reasons Washington Will Make the College Football Playoff

By Zach Bigalke

Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) eyes wide receiver Aaron Fuller (12) for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) eyes wide receiver Aaron Fuller (12) for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven (25) carries the ball on an interception against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven (25) carries the ball on an interception against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Washington has a stifling, opportunistic defense

Of course, lots of teams can score points at the college ranks. Washington, like any championship-caliber program, has managed to pair their offense with one of the best defenses at the FBS level. With a strong front seven featuring All-American candidate Joe Mathis and a secondary led by Sidney Jones, teams have found it hard to gain much momentum against the Huskies throughout the year.

Washington ranks in the top 20 in points allowed, giving up only 336.8 yards per game to opponents. Only Utah has been better at snagging turnovers than the Huskies, who have racked up a dozen fumbles as well as another dozen interceptions. Combined with the offense’s propensity for protecting the football, Washington is first nationally in turnover margin. The end result has been a stifling defense that allows just 17.9 points per game, good enough to feature in the top ten of the FBS rankings.

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