College Football Rankings 2017: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 1

Jake Browning was good but not great in Washington’s 30-14 win at Rutgers on Thursday night. The quarterback completed less than 60 percent of his passes against the Scarlet Knights secondary, finishing 17-of-30 for 284 yards and two touchdowns. The offense also gained just 84 rushing yards in Piscataway.

Instead, the defending PAC-12 champs survived their cross-country road trip thanks to a 61-yard Dante Pettis punt return touchdown and three field goals by senior placekicker Tristan Vizcaino. Special teams could ultimately be what carries the Huskies through the 2017 season, especially if they hope to remain undefeated against a deceptively trap-filled schedule.

A home opener against FCS Montana offers a chance for Chris Petersen’s crew to get some more confident reps into new players’ systems. After the Grizzlies, the degree of difficulty increases with each week. An improved Fresno State team visits Seattle in Week 3 and could post a tricky test for the Huskies ahead of the PAC-12 season.