SEATTLE — Washington is 2–0. That is about the nicest thing you can say about the Huskies right now.
After escaping Utah State 16–14, Washington gets Eastern Washington at Husky Stadium on Saturday in what should be the least complicated game on the schedule.
Washington is favored by roughly 42.5 points, with the over/under around 56.5. Oddsmakers see a massive talent gap. They’re right. The question is whether Washington’s offense is ready to take advantage of it.
Based on talent, depth and resources, the Huskies should overwhelm Eastern. Based on what we have seen offensively through two games, asking Washington to cover six touchdowns still feels ambitious.
Saturday is an opportunity to change that conversation.
Eastern Washington Can Make You Pay
The Eagles enter at 1–2, but they have enough offense to make Washington work.
Quarterback Nate Bell is a legitimate dual-threat who can hurt defenses with his arm and his legs. He accounted for five touchdowns in Eastern’s win over Northern Iowa and has consistently been the engine of the Eagles’ offense.
Eastern averages close to 390 yards per game and has enough weapons around Bell to create problems if Washington loses contain.
Bell is particularly dangerous when the original play breaks down. The Huskies need to keep him in the pocket and force Eastern to consistently drive the length of the field.
Washington’s defense has been the strength of this team so far.
It should remain that way Saturday.
Washington Should Run the Football
Eastern gave up more than 500 yards to South Dakota last weekend, including 272 rushing yards.
There should not be much mystery surrounding Washington’s offensive approach.
Run the football.
Washington’s offensive line needs to take control of this matchup and give the Huskies something they have lacked so far: a dependable rushing attack.
There is no reason to make Demond Williams Jr. carry the offense against an FCS defense that has already shown it can be pushed around up front.
Line up, block somebody and make Eastern stop it.
If Washington does that, everything else becomes easier.
Play-action opens up. Williams gets cleaner throwing windows. The offense stays ahead of the chains. And the Huskies can finally dictate the pace of a game instead of depending on their quarterback to manufacture offense.
Give Demond Williams a Normal Game
Williams has already shown he can create when things break down.
Saturday should not require much of that.
Washington needs to protect him, establish the run and let Williams operate within the offense.
There will be opportunities downfield if Eastern has to commit additional defenders to stopping the run.
Take them.
More importantly, finish drives.
Washington does not need Williams to produce some spectacular statistical performance Saturday. It needs the offense around him to function well enough that he doesn’t have to be spectacular.
That would be progress.
This Should Be Over Early
Eastern Washington should not be hanging around in the fourth quarter.
Washington should establish control at the line of scrimmage, contain Bell and steadily build separation.
That doesn’t mean the Huskies have to win 60–3.
But there should be a point Saturday afternoon when the outcome is no longer in question and Washington can get backups and younger players meaningful snaps.
That’s what this matchup is for.
This is also probably Washington’s best remaining opportunity to work on its weaknesses without paying a serious price for them.
That opportunity disappears quickly once the schedule gets tougher.
Forget the 42-Point Spread
Whether Washington covers 42.5 is not particularly important.
How Washington gets to the final score is.
Does the offensive line win consistently?
Does the running game finally become a weapon?
Does Washington turn scoring opportunities into touchdowns?
Does the defense keep Bell from creating explosives?
Those are better indicators of where this team is headed than whether Washington wins by 35 or 45.
The Huskies have the better roster, more depth and home-field advantage.
This is the kind of opponent Washington should control from the beginning.
No grand statement is required.
Just look like the better football team.
Prediction: Washington 38, Eastern Washington 13.
