Eastern Washington - Not an ideal opener.
As we get closer to the 2019 home opener for the Washington Huskies, a lot of Dawg fans are wondering: What is there to gain by playing an Eastern Washington team in the first place? If you win, well...you’re SUPPOSED to win. You’re WASHINGTON. An FBS powerhouse playing a “tiny” FCS program from the most desolate region of your state. But if you lose, then you’re over-rated. Season ruined. The little brother has beat up the big brother in the front yard for the whole neighborhood to see.
No, Eastern Washington is “Not an ideal opener” for the Huskies according to head coach Chris Petersen. There is a lot to lose and very little to gain. But they are the kind of opponent that I believe the Huskies need in game 1.
The EWU Eagles Can Fly
Coming off of a season in which they finished as serious contenders for the national championship in the FCS, the Eagles are a talented team with a very capable coach in Aaron Best. They have a dynamic QB in Eric Barriere who can sling the ball and has the ability to make plays with his legs as well as any quarterback that the Husky defense will face this season. The Eagles offensive front is stout and has the ability to create time for Barriere to pick and choose his receivers, as well as open up lanes for a very talented running back, Antoine Custer Jr. While it could prove to be more difficult to win than they would like in week 1, this is the kind of game that these young Huskies need to play early in the season to test themselves. While the Dawgs have a lot of potential at a lot of positions, many players on their 2-deep roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, are unproven in game situations. Eastern Washington will give these Huskies an opportunity to truly gauge where they are against a quality opponent before the grind of the Pac 12 conference play begins.
Respect
The Dawgs will need to treat this game and this EWU team with all due respect. With Chris Petersen at the helm of this Husky ship I don’t think that respect will be an issue. Watch the video below to see how coach Petersen feels about the Eastern Washington program and how he is approaching this week’s home opener.
