2010 Arkansas Razorbacks Preview Odds

Washington Huskies

5-7, 7-5 ATS, 7th Place in Pac-10

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +10000 at 5Dimes Sportsbook

The Steve Sarkisian coached Huskies went 4-5 in conference play last season. However, Washington could be a real sleeper team to watch out for in 2010.

Offensive Outlook: If you ask anybody to name a top Pac-10 quarterback, one of the first answers you’ll get is senior Jake Locker. Last year, Locker completed 230 of 395 passes for 2,800 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. His mobility is also no secret. He ran for 388 yards and another seven scores. At wide receiver, junior Jermaine Kearse looks to lead a stacked roster. Kearse gained 866 yards and scored eight times on 50 catches. Junior Devin Aguilar and sophomore James Johnson also will figure into the team’s air attack. The two combined for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns on 81 receptions. Junior running back John Polk underwent off-season surgery, but will be back in business for 2010. He compiled 1,113 yards and five scores on 226 carries last season, lifting the ground attack to 68th among FBS schools. Watch out for this unit to put up some big numbers this season.

Defensive Outlook: Last season’s defense was the greatest downfall of the Huskies. Six times, opponents scored over 30 points, and only once was Washington victorious. Opponents did most of their damage through the air, averaging 240.7 yards per game. Quarterbacks were sacked 28 times, but still managed to convert 40.4% of third downs. This season, five linebackers have graduated, leaving a core of mostly sophomores. Mason Foster returns to his linebacker position, having led the team last year with three interceptions. With the returning starters, this unit will have to make significant improvements in order to turn the Huskies into the contender they should be.

The Final Word: Washington is definitely the sleeper team of the Pac-10. Last year’s 63rd ranked offense stands to gain power with all of the returning talent. The defense will make or break this team, though; as last year showed, this team can’t afford to get into shootouts. The early season schedule is also not particularly favorable, with games at BYU, at USC, and home contests with Syracuse and Nebraska. Look for the Huskies to be a solid team and give the likes of Oregon and USC at least a run for their money.

2010 Washington Huskies Prediction: 7-5, 5th place in Pac-10

2010 Washington Huskies Schedule
9/4 @ BYU
9/11 Syracuse
9/18 Nebraska
10/2 @ USC
10/9 Arizona State
10/16 vs. Oregon State (N)
10/23 @ Arizona
10/30 Stanford
11/6 @ Oregon
11/18 UCLA
11/27 @ California
12/4 @ Washington State