3 Storylines to Ponder Leaving UW Bye Week
The Washington football team took most of a week off and turns its attention to a stretch run of Colorado, the Apple Cup and a bowl game. Here are three things to consider as the Huskies play out the string:
Change at Inside Linebacker
It would be surprising if Edefuan Ulofoshio doesn't start on the inside in Saturday's game at Colorado. The redshirt freshman came off the bench to lead the team in tackles with 9 against Oregon State before the break. That was more than double the amount each of the two senior starters normally accumulate. Ulofoshio runs better than anyone at that position. Hey, fellow redshirt freshman Jackson Sirmon might be ready to move into an opening assignment at ILB, too. The 6-4 Huskies are playing for the future.
Eason's NFL Future
Jacob Eason has talent, certifiable pro arm strength. He's nowhere near a polished product yet. He should play another year of college ball. But it's all up to Eason. These final three games will go a long way in determining whether he returns for his senior season at Washington or puts his name in the draft. One reason to go: The NFL lost a top-rated QB prospect last Saturday when Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa broke his hip. Tagovailoa will be in recovery for some time and need to show he's not badly damaged. All of a sudden, there's a need for another QB to go high in the draft.
Running Game
The Huskies have a formidable rushing attack when Salvon Ahmed and Richard Newton are healthy and can alternate carrying the ball. Ahmed's the blazer, Newton the physical back. Ahmed drew 25 rushes against Oregon State, Newton 17. Newton appeared to be on the verge of becoming the starter before he got hurt at Arizona. That likely won't happen this season, but someday the job will be his.
In the accompanying video, UW offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan sums up Newton's talent level. Check it out.
