The Husky Haul
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College Football Playoff: Washington can upset Alabama if they do these 5 things

By Michael Collins

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi /
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December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi /

Run The Ball Effectively

The strength of Alabama’s defense lies in their front seven. The Crimson Tide defensive line and linebacker corps may be the very best in the nation, and the Huskies will have to challenge that group.

Myles Gaskin will need to make himself known, and the Husky offensive line will have to hold their own and make some holes. This won’t be an easy task against a defensive front who ranked first in the nation, giving up only 63.38 rushing yards per game and surrendered only three rushing touchdowns.

The Huskies don’t necessarily have to completely break down Alabama’s defensive front, but they’ll need to get Gaskin and the other backs some positive yards to force Alabama’s linebackers to creep up towards the line – setting up some effective play-action for quarterback Jake Browning.

If Washington can total 150 or more rushing yards, even if they don’t punch it in, it will keep Bama’s defense honest.

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