Washington-BYU Preview

Washington Offense:

They bring back everybody from a good, though not great, offense last season.  Their future NFL QB, their 1,000 yard rusher, their top 5 pass catchers, and most of the offensive line are all coming back.  Their offense should be ready and raring to go from snap one.  Sarkisian runs a very BYU mid-90's type of offense, but with a mobile QB.  Locker is typically a fast starter out of the gate, but we'll see how he does coming off all of the distractions of the off-season (Heisman hype, topping NFL mock draft boards, trips to New York, SoCal, etc.).

Washington Defense:

The defense was not good last season.  They are undersized in the front 7.  The secondary is pretty young, though not inexperienced.  They gave up 27 points a game and should be better this season.

Matchups:

BYU O vs. Washington D
If there were more of a proven QB or RB, BYU would probably be able to light up this defense in week one.  The question will be: how quickly can BYU's offense find their footing in a game setting.  The Washington D has been facing Jake Locker all spring and fall camp: he's a better runner than Riley Nelson and a better thrower than Jake Heaps.  BYU's offense can't throw anything at them that they haven't seen for the last 8 months, except for that behemoth offensive line.  They should be able to push around the smaller Washington front.  If BYU establishes and sticks with a multi-faceted rushing attack (DiLuigi outside, Kariya and Quezada inside, Nelson from the QB spot), it will open up the passing game.  They need to come out early and establish themselves, against such a dynamic offense on the other side, they can't afford to take a half to figure things out.

BYU D vs. Washington O
A lot of young, new faces in BYU's front 7.  Jordan Pendleton is the playmaker in the front 7.  He's going to need to be very acquainted with Jake Locker for BYU to slow down UW's O.  The back 4 should be pretty good in pass coverage, but they are facing what should be a well-oiled passing machine.  They will be facing an offense that will probably average over 30 points a game.

I think BYU's inexperience will prevent them from jumping out early.  Washington's D (or lack thereof) will help BYU stay in the game.  This offseason was very different from any other under Bronco Mendenhall, so it's a little tougher to judge what we'll see from them.  BYU can score.  Washington will score.

Washington 34, BYU 24.  I just don't see how BYU wins this game.  If they do, though, I think it's a very good sign for the season.