UW Football: Who will challenge for the Pac-12 North crown?

The verdict

Thanks to some question marks for both Stanford and Oregon, Washington State may be the best bet to break through the pack to challenge the Huskies again.  And that is the last game for the regular season for Washington Football fans.  Let’s summarize:

For Stanford, a shaky offense will not be enough to put up championship numbers. The team has some talent, but some talent is not enough to get it done. And while the Cardinals did string together an impressive winning streak, the competition was not stalwart enought to convince me it’s repeatable this year.

Oregon’s defense is abysmal–the team will improve but should be another year or two away from its old self. Until then, look for some shootouts.  And as you know, high scoring games are not football skill as much as blind luck as to who has the ball last.

Cougars stiffest competition

That leaves Mike Leach’s Cougars as the next in line. In Falk’s last year, Washington State has as good an opportunity as ever to sneak into the Pac-12 championship and compete for a title. For the second year in a row, the Apple Cup will have massive conference and national implications.

And while many teams plan to coast into post-season play, the Washington Huskies will face their toughest opponent at the end of the regular season.  But we know this Washington Football team will be up for the challenge.