The University of Washington Huskies will be out to prove a point when they host the Montana Grizzlies Saturday afternoon 5:00 p.m. at Husky Stadium. After a lethargic 30 to 14 win over a stubborn Rutgers team, the No. 7 ranked Huskies need to unleash a running game that gained just 103 yards against Rutgers.
Myles Gaskin had 59 yards on seven attempts and Lavon Coleman finished with 44 yards on 14 carries. The Huskies have the Montana game and the Fresno State game a week from Saturday to get their ground game in order before the September 23rd Conference opener in Colorado against the Colorado Buffallos. A productive ground game will alleviate pressure on Husky quarterback Jake Browning.
Browing threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns against Rutgers but was hurried, harassed and hit multiple times by the Rutgers defense. A healthy Browing is essential if the Huskies are to make do on their goal of winning the Conference and returning to the College Playoffs.
HUSKY DEFENSE VS MONTANA OFFENSE
The Grizzlies offense is led by quarterback Reese Phillips a transfer from Kentucky who threw for 381 yards (27-38), four touchdowns and had one interception. Running back Jeremy Calhoun rambled for 77 yards scored two touchdowns on 20 carries in the Grizzlies win over Rutgers.
The Huskies defensive line led by preseason All American 2nd team defensive lineman Vita Veta should overwhelm the Grizzlies undersized offensive line by stuffing the run and making the Grizzlies offense one dimensional.
With the Grizzlies offense relying on the pass, the Husky Linebackers and secondary should have a productive day causing turnovers in the air and the ground. Senior linebacker and AP preseason All-American first team nominee Azeem Victor is expected to play Saturday after missing the Rutgers game for violating team rules.
