3 Keys for Washington's Offense Against Cal

While the Washington Huskies escaped Berkeley with a 28-21 victory over the California Golden Bears in 2022, Saturday's game looks very different.

Kalen DeBoer's eighth-ranked team is coming in as a three-touchdown favorite, according to most major sports books, and the Washington offense is averaging 614.7 yards per game, the second-most in the nation.

Here's what the Huskies can do to build on the offensive success they enjoyed during their non-conference schedule against the always-stingy Cal defense.

Take What Cal Is Giving

Coach Justin Wilcox's defense did a great job eliminating explosive plays and forcing quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to throw the ball short in their 2022 matchup. Washington's skill players are each good at picking up yards after the catch and, if Wilcox has most of the secondary sitting in deeper zones, it could be a big day for running back Dillon Johnson.

Johnson had 8 carries for 71 yards against the Michigan State Spartans and could be in line for a much larger workload both taking handoffs and catching the ball. The Golden Bears were much more concerned with Penix and Washington's receiving corps in their last meeting, which could lead to advantageous matchups on the ground.

Control the Line of Scrimmage

Washington's offensive line did a great job negating Michigan State's pass rush in East Lansing and will face a defensive front that's had its moments. The Golden Bears have recorded 7 sacks through three games, while the Huskies' stout offensive line has allowed just 1.

Although center Matteo Mele and guard Gaard Memmelaar are out for the season, the Huskies have done a stellar job protecting Penix. Highlighted by tackle tandem Roger Rosengarten and Troy Fautanu and center Parker Brailsford, Washington's offensive line has been a driving force behind the team's success.

Ready to Rock ⚡️🎸☔️⚡️

pic.twitter.com/gtONcILQYQ
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) September 22, 2023

Pick the Moments to Throw It Deep

During his regular Monday briefing, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said he wasn't going to change his style to counter Cal's defense.

"We won't adjust," he said. "We just know the better things to do this season that can attack some of the weaknesses in their defense."

If the Huskies can establish the run and throw some quick screens effectively early, forcing the defense to play closer to the line of scrimmage, they can create plenty of opportunities to call the shot plays that Grubb prefers.

Go to si.com/college/washington to read the latest Inside the Huskies stories — as soon as they’re published.

Not all stories are posted on the fan sites.

Find Inside the Huskies on Facebook by searching: Inside Huskies/FanNation at SI.com or https://www.facebook.com/dan.raley.12

Follow Roman Tomashoff of Inside the Huskies on Twitter: @rtomashoff34 or @UWFanNation

Subscribe to the Locked On Huskies Podcast on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Have a question? Message me on Twitter!