Washington football: Updated game-by-game predictions for 2020

In what should be a hard-fought and low-scoring game, Washington will hit the road for the first time all season to take on the most experienced team in the Pac-12. Cal has been a resurgent program under head coach Justin Wilcox and they are a physical football team that has had some of the best pass defenses in the league since Wilcox took over.

What has plagued the team has been inconsistent play on the offensive side of the ball, but the Golden Bears are hoping long time NFL offensive coordinator Bill Musgraves can help them become a more efficient offense and possibly challenge in the Pac-12 crown.

These two teams are very similar in that they are defensive focused and will try to get just enough out of their offense to win games. This will be challenging game for the Huskies because Cal will be a tough team for any team in the conference to beat. Cal gets the win and makes it two in a row over Washington due to this being the first big defensive test for whoever the Huskies start at quarterback.

Final Score: Washington 24, Cal 27 (2-1)

Washington will look to rebound quickly and that should happen against Oregon State which has been the worst program in the conference for several years now but did show signs of improvement last season under former Washington offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith.

The Beavers are going to be reloading a bit, especially on the offensive side of the ball with quarterback Jake Luton and wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. Those guys were the two best players on the team and replacing them will not be an easy task.

Oregon State has a chance to make some strides to being a solid program under Smith, but 2020 could be a rough year due to the amount of production the Beavers are losing. Look for a potential bowl push in 2021, but another tough season is likely on deck for Oregon State.

Final Score: Washington 45, Oregon State 21 (3-1)