Ricky’s PAC 12 Conference NCAAF pick for 2017 is the Washington Huskies.
OFFENSE
The Huskies moved like a machine on offense last season averaging over 40 points per game. They return 7 starters on offense this season including most of the key components. QB Jake Browning is a legitimate STAR and he carved up opposing defenses to the tune of 3,400 yards passing and 43 TD’s. Browning is still a junior but will almost certainly leave for the NFL after this campaign. Browning loses #1 WR John Ross but still has several dangerous targets including Dante Pettis (822, 15.5, 15 TD) and Chico McClatcher (18.5 yards per reception).
Washington boasts one of the best 1-2 punches at RB in all of college football as Myles Gaskin and Lavon Coleman tallied over 2,200 yards and 17 TD’s rushing in 2016. Coleman averaged 7.5 yards per carry. The offensive line should be rock solid once again with 3/5 starters returning including 2nd Team AA LT Trey Adams.
DEFENSE
Washington has finished #1 in total defense in the PAC 12 in both of the past two seasons. Despite some really good players leaving for the NFL the Huskies still appear to be loaded. The defensive line has a pair of returning starters including DT Vita Vea (6-5, 344) and the LB corps has a couple of great players in Keishawn Bierria (2nd Team PAC 12) and Azeem Victor (1st Team PAC 12). The secondary loses three players taken in the first two rounds of the NFL draft including star S Budda Baker. That is our biggest concern with the 2017 team.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Huskies will have to find a replacement for excellent PK Cameron Van Winkle who hit 16/20 FGs last season but they do have outstanding PR Dante Pettis back to terrorize opposing coverage units.
