Washington Football: 5 reasons Huskies will beat Washington State in Week 13

Friday night’s Washington State vs. Washington football game will be one to keep an eye on. Here’s why the Huskies will pull off the upset.

It hasn’t been the greatest season for Washington, at least not compared to preseason expectations. The Huskies have put together an 8-3 record through 11 games and they still have a chance to win 10 games before a bowl game with a win over Washington State in the Apple Cup and a conference title.

The Huskies were expecting to represent the Pac-12 in the College Football Playoff, but haven’t exactly lived up to the preseason hype. This would be a perfect opportunity to make up for that.

Washington State is 10-1 and ranked in the top-10 nationally. This is an opportunity for Washington to take the rare distinction as the underdog and run with it. The Huskies haven’t been the underdog in this rivalry under Chris Petersen, but it could serve them well.

Here’s why the Huskies will upset Washington State in Week 13.

5. Washington defense can cause problems

People seem to forget Washington is one of those rare Pac-12 teams that plays defense. The Huskies allow just under 320 total yards per game and excel both through the air and on the ground against opponents.

The secondary came into the season as one of the best in the country and the pieces are there to dominate just about every opposing quarterback or just cover long enough to allow the defensive line to get into the backfield.

The front-seven is just as good, holding opponents to just 125 yards rushing but they won’t really have to worry about a run game against the Cougars as they average only 80 yards per game on the ground.

Washington State hasn’t quite seen a defense like what the Huskies have to date.