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Washington Football: Fresno State presents unique challenge for Huskies

By Andrew Miller

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive back Myles Bryant #5 and teammates of the Washington Huskies watch a replay review on the scoreboard during the game against the Montana Grizzlies at Husky Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive back Myles Bryant #5 and teammates of the Washington Huskies watch a replay review on the scoreboard during the game against the Montana Grizzlies at Husky Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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Washington football can start off the 2017 season with three consecutive victories if it can take care of business against Fresno State.

The No. 6 ranked Washington Huskies seemingly formed to what we all expected them to be in a 63-7 whopping of the Montana Grizzlies last week. In Week 1, Washington got off to a slow start against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, on a national stage.

This week, Washington faces their final non-conference opponent of the season in the Fresno State Bulldogs. Washington enters the game as a 33.5-point favorite. Junior quarterback Jake Browning started to look more like himself last week which bodes well for the Huskies in this game.

More than anything, Washington needs to prepare for their first Pac-12 matchup of the season next week when they face the Colorado Buffaloes. It’s a rematch of the Pac-12 Championship Game from last year and both teams look solid in 2017.

The Huskies cannot get caught looking ahead against Fresno State. The reason why this is such an interesting challenge for head coach Chris Peterson is that we have not seen Washington play well in all four quarters against an FBS opponent yet. This is their first opportunity to do that.

While Browning and the Washington rushing attack were very efficient last week, we need to see that happen again. Led by running back Myles Gaskin, the Huskies racked up more than 210 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Browning also completed 22 of his 26 passing attempts for more than 250 yards and two touchdowns with only one interception.

If Washington can put together a complete effort this week, the Colorado game becomes that much harder to prepare for and deal with for the Buffs. Browning could also use the momentum and confidence boost from another good performance. We know that he has the talent to, we just need to see it on the field.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 2

The Huskies should win big over Fresno State. It’s going to be more about how they do it than if they’re actually able to dominate the Bulldogs.

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