College Football 2011: 6 Bold Predictions for the Washington Huskies' Season

In 2010, Washington certainly saw its fair share of ups and downs. It dealt with everything from double-digit losses and injuries to lack of depth. But on the positive side, they had an overtime victory and an improving defense and running game, all capped by a 19-7 Holiday Bowl win.

This year they will star in the mini-series known as "Life After Locker," and many expect them to struggle as a result.

However, I see enough parts of the team that have developed well as a whole to help them find some success. And here are a few predictions...

6. The Huskies Are a Lock for a Bowl Game

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Kicker Erik Folk #17 and holder Cody Bruns #7 of the Washington Huskies celebrate after Folk's game winning field goal as time ran out in the game with the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010

UW will not be home for the holidays.

USC is still on a postseason ban, meaning the Pac-12 has eleven teams to fill seven bowl affiliations. Whether they will be heading to New Mexico or smelling roses is up to them.

But UW should exit non-conference play with at least two wins. And there are a lot of Pac-12 teams with bigger issues than Washington this season. Getting to four conference wins will be a breeze.

After a long drought, the Huskies will go bowling for a second consecutive year.

5. The Defense Will Be Feared

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is tackled by Alameda Ta'amu #74 of the Washington Huskies on September 18, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

For the first time in possibly a decade, Washington won't have to rely on outscoring the other team.

They will shut teams down.

They have the personnel up front to apply pressure and disrupt the running game, and a talented (and now experienced) secondary to keep the passing game in check. Add to that a new weapon in rushing end Josh Shirley, and the Huskies will make more than a few quarterbacks sweat.

4. Kasen Williams Will Win Pac-12 Freshman of the Year

Kasen Williams is the type of player who can transition to college and have an impact immediately. He set several school and state records in receiving as well as in track and field.

He has a lot of natural ability, and will put in hours of hard work to excel. He will not only see the field as a wide receiver, but will probably be factored into the return game.

He will have more than a couple clips to add to the highlight reel this time next year.

3. The Passing Attack Will Be Strong

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 6: Keith Price #17 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Everyone is expecting the passing game to take a step backwards.

I don’t agree. I think Keith Price will surprise a lot of people. He has always proven to be a very intelligent, accurate passer.

He also has the luxury of Chris Polk to take some of the heat off. With teams stacking the line to contain Polk, it will open up a lot of the passing game. And with a depth of talent coming back at wide receiver, Price will have his choice of targets to hit.

2. Chris Polk Will Surpass His 2010 Rushing Total

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 02: Running back Chris Polk #1 of the Washington Huskies celebrates his second quarter touchdown against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Washington won 32-31.

Polk is starting to gain some national attention this offseason, but he had been Washington’s best-kept secret. He quietly put up back-to-back 1000+ yard seasons (reaching 1415 yards in 2010).

The team is likely to lean on him early on as they break in a new QB. And behind a more experienced O-line, he should have no problem leaving his 2010 numbers in the dust.

1. Washington Will Defeat Oregon on November 5th

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 06: Linebacker Mason Foster #40 safety Nate Fellner #29 of the Washington Huskies tackle quarterback Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks as Thomas crosses the goal line for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game at Autzen Stad

Oregon has dominated this rivalry in recent years, but this year will be a little different. The UW defense will have the tools to attack Oregon’s O-line and disrupt their "keep away"-style offense.

Polk will have his way with their rebuilding front seven. The Ducks will be looking past this game with a trip to Palo Alto the following week. Add to that a raucous crowd that will want to send the old stadium out in style, and you have an upset on your hands.