Preview: No. 7 Washington at No. 17 Oregon: Three Barks & Score Prediction

SEATTLE – Jake Browning watched from the sidelines as his backup throw an interception on the final drive against Oregon in 2015.

Then a redshirt freshman quarterback, Browning Washington’s offense on a 12 play, 71 yard drive the series prior to cut the deficit to six with 3:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. The drive ended with his only touchdown pass on the day, a four-yard pitch and catch to Jaydon Mickens.

Oregon picked off UW backup K.J. Carta-Samuels, who replaced Browning for the final series after the starter injured his throwing shoulder, on the final drive to seal the 26-20 victory.

October 17, 2015. That was the last time the Huskies lost to the Ducks. A lot has changed since.

UW has outscored Oregon 108-24 in the last two meetings, both victories. Most of those points, 70 to be exact, come from Browning’s first game at Autzen Stadium in 2016.

Technically one could argue the Huskies scored 71 points that afternoon, if you include the now infamous “point’ as Browning crossed the goal line for a 1-yard touchdown run. UW began its first drive inside Oregon territory, at the 35-yard line, thanks to Budda Baker intercepting Justin Herbert’s first career pass attempt.

The point was well taken by Chris Petersen. Browning did not speak with the media this week prior to his return to Autzen Stadium on Saturday.

Now the all-time leader in passing yards (10, 612), touchdowns (87), and total offense (10,777) in UW history, Browning enters his final matchup in an ideal scenario.

To shut everyone outside the program up.

Despite being arguably the best QB in school history, and quickly becoming one of the elite to come from the Pac-12, Browning remains in an uphill fight to prove that he is better than the talk that has followed him throughout his UW career.

Browning is nine passing TD’s shy of tying former Cal QB and 2016 No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff for No. 5 all-time in conference history with 96. He is 185 yards away from eclipsing former Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota for No. 10 all-time in passing yards by a Pac-12 QB.

Should the Huskies offense execute as it has for most of the season Browning will pass Mariota at some point Saturday. In fact, that’s all Browning has done in his career. Pass Oregon.

In three games against the Ducks, Browning has completed 52 of 77 attempts for 807 yards, nine touchdowns, one interception, and two rushing touchdowns just to make a point. Most important, though, Browning has only finished with negative rushing yards (-5 yards in 2015) once against Oregon.

Three Barks to victory for UW:

1. If Washington can grab momentum early, either by forcing a turnover on defense or stringing together long scoring drives (ideally touchdown’s, not field goals), the outlook drastically improves.

The key to scoring 70 two years ago in Eugene was the fact that the Huskies seized control from the start and relinquished their hold. It doesn’t mean UW has to be perfect throughout, but if the game remains balanced in the first half the final 30 minutes become much more of a battle.

On the road, especially in a tenacious rivalry game, having energy is key in the fourth quarter. Winded, tired, morally or literally defeated, an exhausted defense is not the answer for a UW victory.

2. Find a way to continue getting all four running backs involved on offense. Browning has been most effective when UW is able to use the play-action game, and that starts with developing a threat on the ground.

Myles Gaskin is the household name. Salvon Ahmed, until two weeks ago against BYU where he ran for 86 yards and two scores, has been the name fans have screamed around the house for.

Browning is third on the team with 38 rush attempts, trailing Ahmed (40) and Gaskin (124), still well ahead of the other two traditional UW backs, Kamari Pleasant (12) and Sean McGrew (11).

That has to change Saturday.

3. Don’t let the game become a kicking battle. Redshirt freshman Peyton Henry has shown the power of his southpaw leg this season, both good and bad. The bad, going 0-for-2 in a 35-7 blowout at home against BYU, hasn’t cost Washington.

That also plays into not settling for three instead of six when UW is able to get inside the red zone. The Huskies can’t afford to settle Saturday, and that means they can’t rely on Henry nor should they.

Prediction: Washington 42, Oregon 14.