Washington Football team must beware the Oregon State trap

The Washington Football team is riding high on the throes of a decisive victory over Colorado. But from that lofty perch, do they risk falling at the hands of the Oregon State Beavers?

The long and winding road of the NCAA football season is full of twists, turns, and cul de sacs. And that is how it goes for a healthy team.  But this Washington Football team is experiencing their share of injuries and ailments. Not so much as to place the team’s season in peril. But enough to percolate some concern as to the team’s readiness.

Readiness. That is something you will never question from a Chris Petersen coached team. And yet, that is where my concerns are gravitating towards this Monday, September 25, 2017. But why?

Well, it could be the fact that the team put on an incredible display on both offense and defense. Myles Gaskin can run with the best of the NCAA.  Jake Browning just keeps on throwing TD passes. And that defense, oh that beautiful-stop-them-in-their-tracks-while-we-get-the-ball-back defense.

Murphy still has that law…

So what could go wrong?  Well the final score for starters. There is a lot going on with Washington right now. Enough to be distracting as the team tries to focus on the next game.

Winning in the Pac-12 is no given. Each week, the competition would love to emerge the victor. And each week, the opposing team has enough talent to do just that.  So the season becomes one of durability and mental toughness.

That toughness gets tested this weekend. On paper, this should play out as a W for the Washington Huskies. But strangers things have happened.

The Beavers are tough as “Nail”s

If you talk about the Oregon State Beavers, you will likely begin with running back Ryan Nail. The Huskies have only faced him once before, back in 2015 as a freshman. The 6-foot-2 running back carries 237 pounds of solid mass now, and he can score virtually at will.  He pushed the ball into the end zone 13 times in 2016, and already has four TD’s this season.

So far, Oregon State is just 1-3. Their Pac-12 debut was spoiled at the hands of Washington State. The Beavers will look to even up their conference record at home.

If the Washington Football team makes the mistake of taking Oregon State for granted, woe are they. The Beavers can score, and if they get a lead, Ryan Nail will carry that ball all day to keep the lead.

Next: Washington Football team must ask how many more will fall?

No, I’m not expecting the Huskies to lose this one. But I did predict a speed bump this week. While it may simply be another week of “steady as she goes”, the emotions form the Colorado victory make me nervous.

Prove me wrong, Washington.  I only have this week as an 11 point win. The team must absorb the loss of a productive wide receiver as Chico McClatcher is out for the season.   To do that, everyone must step up once more.