How to Watch Washington Football as Huskies host Montana Grizzlies
By Bret Stuter
The Washington Football team hopes to rebound with more convincing win as they host the Montana Grizzlies. Here’s how to catch the game today, September 9, 2017
The 1-0 Washington Huskies remain in the nation’s top ten, heading into week two. Now at seventh in the nation in both the AP and Coaches poll, the Huskies have an opportunity to demonstrate further progress as the season advances. While they do not face a nationally ranked team, they do face a new challenge in the proficient passing of the Montana Grizzlies today at 5:00 pm Pacific Time. Led by five-year senior Reese Phillips, the Grizzlies can certainly put up points in a hurry through the air.
On one hand, much of the questions about this Washington Football team focused upon the ability of defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake to prepare new players for the 2017 season. And so, with three defensive backs leaping into the NFL in the 2017 NFL Draft, he must set new faces in his backfield. That’s a tall challenge, as they will face the pass prolific quarterbacks of the Pac-12.
Defensive backs passed their first quiz. Week two is a real test
Last week assuaged many of those preseason concerns. The defense gated in a huge step in the right direction, as the team held the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to under 200 yards passing and intercepted two.
Cornerback Byron Murphy was the thief, and it was his heroics which enabled the Huskies offense to take over in the second half. But that was made possible by the Huskies front four. While they were limited to just one sack, Scarlet Knights quarterback Kyle Bolin did not feel particularly comfortable in the pocket.
More special teams razzle dazzle
Wide receiver Dante Pettis ran a punt return back for a 61 yard touchdown. That first half score set the Washington Huskies ahead with the lead, a lead they would not relinquish. But that score enabled Pettis to tie former California receiver DeSean Jackson Pac-12 record of six punt returns for touchdowns.
On the flipside, Washington punter Joel Whitford averaged just 35.4 yards per punt on the day. But he nailed two punts inside the Rutgers five yard line. Pinning the Scarlet Knights deep in their own territory in the first half enabled the Huskies to regroup both offensively and defensively.
Keys to the game for Washington
The Washington Football team needs to deliver today on all cylinders. The return of linebacker Azeem Victor needs to elevate the defense front seven to cause chaos. If Montana quarterback Reese Phillips gets into a groove early, it will be a long day.
Offensively, the Huskies need a wide open offense in the first half. Score score score. Jake Browning must find the open receiver at a 65 percent clip. Tight end Drew Sample and running back Myles Gaskin were surprisingly effective in last week’s passing game. But for today, both wide receivers Dante Pettis and Chico McClatcher need to shine. Then, with a solid lead, ease back on the throttle and let running back Myles Gaskin aim at a Pac-12 rushing record.
Keys to the game for Montana
Montana is on the road against a tough opponent. But they have two things in their favor. The pressure is off, and they have a great passing game. So the Montana Grizzlies must introduce low risk high reward passing plays to sync quarterback Reese Phillips into a good rhythm early. They need to take chances on third and fourth downs to continue to move the sticks. And if they can get the passing game going, sprinkle in some misdirection running plays to test the Huskies pursuit and edges.
Defensively, the Grizzlies need simply to follow the Rutgers blueprint for four quarters. Get pressure on Jake Browning early. Stop the running attack. It’s far harder than it sounds.
PREDICTIONS:
I called this game 48-17 three months prior to the season. But to be honest, this game feels like that may be conservative. The Huskies have a lot of factors lining up today. Most of all, Coach Petersen was unimpressed with their effort in week one.
He will be impressed today. There will be plenty of heroes and highlights in this game. But don’t fret week three. Coach Petersen will likely roll plenty of week one film to keep the Washington Football team focused.
Washington-Montana game time, details:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017
Time: 5 p.m. PT
Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington
What TV channel is Washington-Montana on?
The Washington versus Montana game is televised via the Pac-12 Network.
How can I watch Washington-Montana online?
The Washington versus Montana game will stream on Pac-12.com by cable or satellite subscription, or via the Pac-12 app on your tablet.
Will the Washington-Montana game be broadcast via the radio?
The Washington versus Montana game will make the radio on either 1000 KOMO-AM or 97.7 KOMO-FM in the Seattle area, or on the Sirius Satellite Radio channel 98. The game’s radio broadcast can also be streamed online via the Washington IMG Sports Network.