Washington Football: Best, worst, and most likely scenarios for 2021

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Nov 28, 2020; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Trent McDuffie (22) celebrates with teammates including defensive back Kyler Gordon (2) and linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (48) and defensive lineman Tuli Letuligasenoa (91) and defensive back Kamren Fabiculanan (31) following an interception against the Utah Utes during the fourth quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Most likely scenario

I debated on making the best-case scenario for Washington a one-loss season with a New Year’s Six bowl berth and playoff contention but I settled for 10-2 because 11-1 may just be way too unrealistic in the second year of Jimmy Lake with his roster not yet in place.

I think Washington has talent, so while I think the Huskies could very well go 10-2 as a likely scenario, I’m now leaning more toward a 9-3 campaign and 7-2 record in conference play.

The Huskies start the season with a home game and a nice warm-up against Montana and they’ll win that easily before traveling across the country to face Jim Harbaugh and Michigan. Normally, I’d call this a likely loss, but I think that Michigan is in a terrible place right now and the momentum has faded. The staff seems desperate and they’re feeling the pressure after a 2-4 season but they’ll win on a last-second field goal.

Washington will bounce back nicely and reel off five straight wins before losing at Stanford in a shocker to drop to 7-2. They’ll bounce back to beat Oregon in a massive rivalry game as well as Arizona State the following week before stumbling at Colorado.

The Apple Cup will end in a resounding win for Washington as the Huskies finish the season 9-2 with two conference losses.

Most likely: 9-3, 7-2 Pac-12

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