How to catch Washington Football as Huskies host Fresno State

PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 01: Quarterback Jake Browning /

The Washington Football team have quieted concerns and now prepare to rise to the challenge of the Fresno State Bulldogs. Here’s how to catch the game today, September 16, 2017

The 2-0 Washington Huskies rose to sixth place nationally heading into week three of the 2017 season. But they continue to trail USC in both the AP and Coaches poll. That may not change today. Instead, the Washington Huskies must keep pace with the nation’s top five teams, and a solid win today will do just that.

Now this is not as simple as all of that. While Fresno State arrives with a 1-1 record, that loss happened at the hands of the nation’s top team, Alabama. In fact, the final score of 41-10 was much closer than many expected. Check out the game highlights below.

Fresno State did not win the game, but did manage an impressive drive in the first quarter of 70 yards to keep the game interesting.

Battle tested teams are tough

Now that the Bulldogs are battle tested, they pose an entirely new challenge to the Washington Huskies this week. The team is led on offense by quarterback Chason Virgil. Whenever he drops back in the pocket, he looks for his favorite target – wide receiver KeeSean Johnson. So far this season, the pair have hooked up 15 times for 175 yards.

Fresno State’s running game is by committee. Freshmen Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims will be good, as both have scored a touchdown already this season.

The Bulldogs defense gives up big plays, but can play very stout as well. While the Crimson Tide rolled on their way to victory, they failed to break 200 yards passing nor boast a running back with over 100 yards rushing. (QB Jalen Hurts did rush for 128 yards, however). In short, Fresno State won plenty of battles, but simply lost the war.

Translated into week three? The Washington offense will need to earn each score today.

Can Washington defense show up big in game three?

In two weeks of NCAA football, the Washington defense has allowed a total of just 21 points. Well, 14 points, as the Montana Grizzlies scored on a pick-six in the first quarter. With two solid games so far, the Washington football team will look to take the next step this week.

After his one-game suspension, headlining linebacker Azeem Victor recorded just four tackles last week. While that is some cause for concern, Victor is returning from a devastating injury last season, But so far, early predictions have followed the script, and we project a huge game for the linebacker this week.

The Washington defense leads the Pac-12 after two weeks. Second in rushing defense, and third in the passing defense, the team poses plenty of problems for opposing teams. On top of that, the Huskies lead the conference in turnover margin. In two week, Washington is a +5 in turnovers.

Hey Dante is chasing the NCAA punt return record.

Wide receiver Dante Pettis has two punt returns for touchdowns in two games this year. That is good enough for a new Pac-12 record of seven punt returns for touchdowns. And now, he is within striking range of the NCAA record of eight.

Another player with huge potential is surprising tight end Will Dissly. Dissly had a huge two touchdown performance against Montana. If he has another good day catching the football, he will attract plenty of attention in the weeks ahead.

Keys to the game for Washington

The Washington Football team needs consistency. The team has not been winning the battle of the clock. In two games, the Huskies lag behind with just 52:14 to 67:46. That means that the defense has been working harder each game.

Offensively, the Huskies need better drives. A running back topping the 100 yard mark in this game would be ideal. A wide receiver topping the 100 yard mark would be great. Getting both a running back and a wide receiver to 100 yards in this game would set the stage for next week’s showdown with the Colorado Buffalo. Jake Browning can break a school record today too.

Defensively, the Huskies need plenty of three and outs. Get the ball back into the hands of the offense. If Fresno State does move the ball, the Huskies defense must maintain their opportunistic aggressiveness. If the Huskies can’t stop the Bulldogs’ offense in four downs, cause turnovers.

Keys to the game for Fresno State

Fresno State endures a second road game against a top ten opponent. Still, the fared better than expected against the Alabama Crimson Tide. If the Bulldogs can eliminate the mistakes, they have a chance in this game.

Offensively, the Bulldogs need to jump out to an early lead. Throw caution to the win, and feed the aerial assault with spread formations and go-for-broke passing routes. If the Bulldogs can jump out to an early lead, that defense has a chance.

Defensively, the defense needs to stop the mental mistakes, eliminate the big plays. Like previous teams, the Bulldogs must pressure Jake Browning early. They must then stop the running attack, all day. It’s far harder than it sounds.

PREDICTIONS:

I called this game 51-7 three months prior to the season. Still, this game has all the dreadful characteristics of a trap game BEWARE HUSKIES!

It’s tough to focus on this game against Fresno State without seeing past them to the next week Pac-12 championship rematch against the Colorado Buffaloes. But that is just what Coach Petersen expects from his players.

Fresno State deserves the Washington full focus. This team is capable of winning the game if the Huskies play sloppy or if they enter the game looking past the Bulldogs. Don’t expect that, as Coach Petersen if very good at keeping this team grounded at all times.

Next: Washington Football Season Summary: Where are we week 3?

Washington will have a breakout game from one of the offensive skill players. Whether rusher or receiver, I cannot be certain. But this will be a game where one player will break the 100 yard mark.

Washington-Fresno State game time, details:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017
Time: 6:30 p.m. PT
Location: Husky Stadium, Seattle, Washington

What TV channel is Washington-Fresno State on?
The Washington versus Fresno State game is televised via the Pac-12 Network.

Watch NCAA Football for FREE on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

How can I watch Washington-Fresno State online?
The Washington versus Fresno State game will stream on Pac-12.com by cable or satellite subscription, or via the Pac-12 app on your tablet.

Will the Washington-Fresno State game be broadcast via the radio?
The Washington versus Fresno State 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 145, XM channel 197 and SiriusXM channel 959 The game’s radio broadcast can also be streamed online via via the Washington IMG Sports Network.

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How to catch Washington Football as Huskies host Fresno State Bulldogs

By Bret Stuter | Sep 16, 2017