The 2023 College Football season could be an exciting one for Washington Football fans.
The media are tipping the Huskies as Pac-12 Championship contenders and even College Football Playoff outsiders. Along the way, Washington Football will need to maneuver through a tricky schedule.
Below are four key match-ups across the 2023 schedule.
at Arizona – September 23
Although Michigan State on the road could be tough, the first in conference road game on the 2023 schedule is against a resurgent Arizona. All being well, Washington could be going into the game 4-0. With the bye week straight after the Arizona game, making it 5-0 and resting up for an extra week would be a massive boost.
Last season, Arizona went toe-to-toe at Husky stadium, with Washington coming out on top 49-39. The Wildcats can cause problems with an exciting offense who can put up points quickly. Washington will need to be fully focused on the job at hand and not be looking past their opponents at what comes after the bye week.
vs Oregon – October 14
The Washington-Oregon rivalry resumes in 2023, with Washington taking the win in Eugene in 2022. With both teams coming off their bye weeks before the 2023 encounter, being mentally prepared will be massively important. A win against Arizona the week before the bye and the mood in the Washington camp would be sky high.
Win or lose against Arizona, this game iscrucial. A win could put the Huskies 6-0 and in control of their destiny. Also, it could be a bounce back game, moving to 5-1 keeps them alive with tough games to come. Whatever the situation Washington is in, bragging rights are always important.
at USC – November 4
Heading into November and the back end of the season, it gets tough. Washington has a trio of tricky games in a row, starting with Pac-12 favorites: USC. If they have managed to get to this point with a 8-0 record or even with just one loss, it’s time to dig deep.
The Trojans will likely be in a similar situation at this point and this will be just as big a test for them. They have arguably the best quarterback in the country in reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams. This could be an all gas no breaks match up, with defensive stops at a premium. However, whichever defense manages to withstand the pressure the most, will likely come out the winners.
at Oregon State – November 18
That trio of games mentioned ends with one of the most unappreciated teams in the Pac-12: Oregon State. The Huskies will first face USC and defending Pac-12 champions Utah before the tough match-up against the Beavers. If the Huskies have dropped those two games going into this, it will be must win territory.
Oregon State has one of the toughest defenses in college football, not just the Pac-12. Head coach Jonathan Smith has them primed and always ready to compete. Coming into the final stages of the season, players will be feeling the strains of the season so far. This has a good chance of being a super tight game. However, if Washington can grind out a win and keep themselves at two losses or less, they will be in a great spot for a Pac-12 Championship game at the least.