Many have complained or pointed out how the University of Washington’s Football program has struggled in some important football games in the last few years. There’s no doubt about it. When the Huskies face ranked opponents it seems as if they almost always lose. However, this isn’t necessarily true.

UW has dominated the Apple Cup, not just beating but crushing a ranked Washington State team the last 3 years (sorry WSU fans, it had to be said). And what about their two Pac 12 Championship victories over a number 8 Colorado and 17 Utah? Those wins are proof the Huskies can play exceptionally well in big games, but those games were all within their conference. Outside the Pac 12 is another story.

Let’s go back to the 2016 Peach bowl, a College playoff game against number 1 Alabama. The Huskies didn’t exactly play badly but found themselves falling behind a fast and physical Alabama team suffering a 24-7 loss, ending their season. A year later, the Huskies failed to make the College playoffs and ended up losing to a 9th ranked Penn State team 35-28 in the Fiesta Bowl.

This year, after two tough losses at Cal and Oregon, the Huskies found themselves headed to the Rose Bowl against a number 6 Ohio State. Once again, the Dawgs refused to show up and lost 23-28.

School counselor, Mr. BJ Dawson believes that most of these tough losses come from Chris Petersen’s style of coaching. Chris Petersen has instilled in his players the ability to treat each of their opponents equally. They play a “faceless opponent” Mr. Dawson said. “And it is because of that belief that they have often struggled in games they easily could have won.”

Next season Mr. Dawson expects the Huskies offense to increase their productivity with their new quarterback, Jacob Eason, who grew up in Lake Stevens. Mr. Dawson believes the team might even have a shot at making the playoffs.