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Washington Huskies vs Stanford Cardinal Football Preview

This week is all about the quarterback, at least in regard to the Pac-10 Conference matchup between Washington and Stanford.

While both teams have talented quarterbacks, both teams are entering this game at two very different places in the lives of their programs.

For Washington, the Huskies are led by the ever-so-hyped Jake Locker. After going through two coaches and three offensive coordinators, and then being forced to overcome an 0-12 season in 2008, Locker has led his team to a 3-4 overall record against five ranked opponents. Behind an entirely reconstructed, bendable and very breakable offensive line, Locker and the Huskies have also managed to pair each one of their lackluster losses with a thrilling victory, a trend they hope to continue against this weekend (but then avoid in the month of November).

As for Stanford, the Cardinal are sitting pretty at 6-1 overall —they are led by quarterback Andrew Luck, and they find themselves one of four Pac-10 teams ranked in the top 25 (No. 13) heading into week nine.

Sitting second in the Pac-10 behind the BCS’s number-two team, the Oregon Ducks, the Cardinal are grasping for a bid to the Rose Bowl. The Huskies are sitting fifth in the conference and are simply trying to remain in bowl contention.

Ranked second in both touchdown passes (19) and passing efficiency (164.5), Luck is positioning himself to take the top spot in the 2011 NFL Draft. Locker on the other hand, with 14 touchdown passes and four interceptions, is making his own statement, but has been plagued by injury and - as a result - has been unable to perform at the level the Washington offense and fans are accustomed to. Last week at Arizona, Locker was replaced early in the fourth quarter after losing 24 yards on six carries.

Providing no help for its battered quarterback is the Washington defense. Coordinator Nick Holt’s young defense has allowed an average of 33.6 points per game and is ranked at 108th in the country.

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Both teams receive great offensive production from their skill people. The Huskies look to receivers Jermaine Kearse (670 yards) and D’Andre Goodwin (263 yards) to put up big numbers through the air. Washington relies on the dual-threat running ability of Locker as well as running back Chris Polk to gain rushing yards. The Cardinal will need to find a way to contain Polk, who is in search of his fourth 100-plus-yard game this season.

Offensively the Cardinal look very similar to UW on paper. Stanford relies heavily on its dual-threat quarterback Andrew Luck as well as running back Stepfan Taylor who is looking for his fifth 100-plus-yard game this season. Taylor has also been working as a skilled receiver for Stanford. The Husky defense should look for Luck to attempt to connect with receiver Doug Baldwin, who has 28 receptions for 402 yards on the season.

By Ganelle Swehla
DFN Sports Staff Writer