BYU Cougars vs Washington Huskies Football Preview

When Jake Locker signed with the University of Washington, fans dreamed he’d be the next Tim Tebow. If his senior season is anything like his 2009 junior season, Locker may very well collect a Heisman Trophy just like Mr. Tebow. Locker won’t be the only super-recruit quarterback in the game, however. BYU will most likely be lead by highly-rated freshman Jake Heaps. After derailing Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford in the opener in 2009, BYU looks to send Washington and Locker’s Heisman candidacy off to an equally rocky start in 2010.

BYU knows how to play with the big boys and win. In the past two seasons, the Cougars have defeated Washington, UCLA, Oklahoma, and rival Utah. The Cougars won’t be intimidated by Washington and Locker. It’s especially helpful that they get the game in Provo, where they’ve gone 25-5 since 2005.

While some might be wary of the quality possessed by a team starting a true freshman in his first game, Heaps will have the luxury of lining up behind an offensive line that returns four of five starters from a year ago. How much BYU relies on Heaps remains to be seen as coach Bronco Mendenhall has announced the Cougars will alternate quarterbacks. He declined to specify how the quarterbacks would be alternated throughout the game.

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In 2009, the Huskies played like a completely different team under first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian. After narrowly falling to No. 11 LSU at home to open the season, the Huskies – winless in 2008 – took a huge step forward by defeating conference foe (and third-ranked) USC in Seattle. The win was a statement for Sarkisian and Locker alike. After stumbling midseason, the Huskies finished 2009 with an impressive 42-10 pounding of 19th-ranked Cal. The U-Dub crew returns almost entirely intact (18 starters return). Not only does Locker return, but all of his offensive weapons return as well.

This game has the potential to be a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair. Washington returns Locker, its leading rusher, and its top five receiving targets. All these performers will be under the guidance of Sarkisian, who is one of the better play callers in the business. That’s bad news for a BYU defense that returns only five starters from last year’s unit, a group that harassed and knocked Sam Bradford out of commission in a 14-13 upset of Oklahoma.

While BYU will surely be able to move the ball on the ground against Washington, it’s hard to imagine a freshman making his first start being able to keep up with the Huskies and Locker’s passing. All of the offensive weapons at Washington’s disposal, combined with BYU’s uncertainty at quarterback, will give the Huskies the upper hand. BYU hopes that its home-field advantage, plus the emotional momentum produced by the school’s move to independent status in football, will create a tidal wave of adrenaline that will wash over Washington, especially in the fourth quarter.

By: Matt Zemek
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer