Washington Football hopes to get into a winning rut.

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on during the game against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on during the game against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 29: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies celebrates the game winning touchdown during a game against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Washington defeated Utah 31-24. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 29: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies celebrates the game winning touchdown during a game against the Utah Utes during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Washington defeated Utah 31-24. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

Ever been accused of being in a rut? Doing the same thing over and over? Well, the Washington Football team hopes to get into a winning rut versus Rutgers this Friday, September 1st

It’s here folks! Washington Football is about to get underway. After all, the college football season has already kicked off for some schools. And now, the week we have all been waiting for is finally here.

This is the first test of what will ultimately be a defining season for the program.  Repeat as Pac-12 champions, and earn the respect of pundits nationwide. Fall short and the narrative of one-hit wonders already written will be queued up on virtually every national media venue possible.

It’s no longer a nation of heroes to admire, but  one of fallen heroes.

A team of many playing as one

And perhaps that is what draws me to this Washington Football team. On one hand, this is not about the high and mighty.  In fact, this is a group of players who play as one, train as one, and act as one.  On the other hand, this is not a collection of the nation’s best individual talents, but rather a cohesive team which works to succeed together. Ultimately, joining the University of Washington Football team is joining a select group, almost a family, of dedicated young me who will look out for one another, push one another, and support one another.

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This is a team with incredible upside. But  every potential needs a catalyst. A spark to ignite the fuel into a blazing inferno. Yes, this team has plenty of returning veterans. Yes there is an incredible amount of young talent ready to step up and fill the ranks.

Tough trip to begin winning ways

But the team has a tough trip to the east coast, where the time zone may prove to be as challenging as their opponent.  On Friday night, September 1, 2017, the Washington Huskies face the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. While this is a winnable game, the team needs to escape any injuries, and play fundamentally sound football on both offense and defense.

This is more than just a season opener. This is the re-introduction between the nation and Washington Football. In many ways, this may be the first and last time many fans will see this team play.

First impressions

So it’s more than just one game. It’s a first impression.  And the team only gets one chance at one of those.

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Play hard Huskies.  Win this one, and the season begins the arduous climb to the pinnacle once more. Fall here, and the climb becomes much steeper.  Getting into a rut is not often a positive trend. But falling into winning ways here does just that.  The Rutgers Scarlet Knights would love to upset a nationally ranked team in their season opener.

It will take the effort of each individual Huskly on the field, playing as one, to see that does not happen.