Washington Football: 2017 season preview and predictions

After making the College Football Playoff in 2016, Washington football enters the 2017 season with high expectations.

Chris Petersen doesn’t truly get enough credit for the work he’s done with Washington football. The former Boise State head coach has transformed Washington into a perennial Pac-12 power and he’s coming off his first appearance, and the school’s first, in the College Football Playoff.

The expectations heading into the 2017 campaign are as high as they’ve ever been and with the pieces that are returning, it’s fair to say that missing out on the playoff this season would be a disappointment. Heck, the Pac-12 could send two teams to the playoff, depending on how highly they’re both ranked before the conference title game.

It’s tough to bet against a Petersen-coached team because all he’s known at the collegiate level is success. He knows how to win and he does it often. With an impressive defense returning and an offense that’s going to open some eyes, the Huskies will be tough to beat.

Moreover, the schedule for 2017 is winnable and there’s a potential Heisman-winning quarterback on the roster. Can this team finish even better than it did last season when it posted a 12-2 record and winning the Pac-12 title?

Take a look at our season preview for the Huskies, including a final record prediction.