Washington Huskies Look to Beat Nebraska 'Huskers Twice in a Row

It is a rare occurrence in college football to play a team three times in one year. But that is precisely what is about to happen for the Washington Huskies and the No. 10-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers this Saturday, their third matchup in exactly 12 months. 

Last Sept. 18, ranked No. 9 in the nation, Nebraska traveled to Seattle, winning in overwhelming fashion 56-21. Later, during the postseason, on a neutral field in the Holiday Bowl in the San Diego, Washington clinched revenge by stifling the No. 16-ranked Huskers 19-7. Appropriately, this weekend’s rubber match will complete the trifecta, taking place in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Over the past year, much has happened to both of these two squads, making this meeting much different than the one in September 2010. 

Washington was beginning its second year of rebuilding under head coach Steve Sarkisian, still going through the growing pains that come with a young squad. Though the Huskies were a talented litter, there was still a lot to overcome for a school that hadn’t had a winning season since 2002, also the last year they appeared in the postseason. Washington was led by quarterback Jake Locker, who returned to school for his senior year with hopes of leading the Huskies to a bowl game before he graduated. 

On the other side, Nebraska was smack dab in the middle of its way back to national relevance, coming off of a season-ending AP ranking of No. 14 in 2009. Last season, under third-year coach Bo Pelini, the ‘Huskers had higher aspirations coming into Seattle, dreaming of a BCS bowl appearance instead. And after last year’s trip to Seattle resulted in a huskily husking the Huskies of Washington, Nebraska was proved that they were indeed ready to take that step into the elite class again. 

However, after the thumping laid upon the Dawgs, the season progressed in an unexpected manner for both teams. 

Not surprising for a young team, Washington flip-flopped between wins and losses before losing three straight, forcing them to have to win their last three games of the season to finish with a 6-6 record and become bowl-eligible. Amazingly, they did. This was a tremendous success for Sarkisian, a first-time head coach, in just his second year at the helm. Though it wasn’t pretty, the Huskies make quick progress, culminating in the Holiday Bowl invitation. 

Meanwhile, the ‘Huskers were not meeting their lofty expectations. After walloping the Huskies in September, Nebraska reached a season-high No. 5 ranking before losing to the Texas Longhorns at home. Still, by the end of November, Nebraska had a 9-1 record and was in line for their BCS bowl game goal.

Unfortunately, the Cornhuskers flaked out, losing two of the last three games heading into bowl season, including the Big 12 Championship Game to No. 10 Oklahoma. With a respectable but unsatisfying 10-3 record, they hobbled into the Holiday Bowl, but as considerable favorites over the overachieving Washington squad. 

Although they didn’t exactly shock the world, the Huskies did redeem themselves convincingly. Especially given the fact that Washington beat the very same team that they had allowed 55 points and over 300 yards rushing to a mere three months prior. It was quite a remarkable turnaround for the Huskies and a rather disappointing end to the season for the Huskers. 

Which leads up to this weekend in Lincoln. Nebraska is in a similar position as last season, heading into Saturday ranked No. 10 in the nation after two lopsided victories at home. They look to exact some retaliation of their own against a 2-0 Washington team that is continuing to build confidence weekly. 

This season, however, the Huskies are led by first-year quarterback Keith Price. Though he does not possess the complete skill set that his predecessor Locker had, Price guides a well-balanced attack. Last week, he passed for over 300 yards with four touchdowns against Hawaii. Can the sophomore step up to the challenge of a big-time national powerhouse? On the road? 

Lincoln is not an easy place for any foe, let alone a quarterback starting his fourth career game. But with a the promise that Price has demonstrated through his growth in the first two games, and a well-rounded backfield led by tailback Chris Polk, Nebraska’s Blackshirts will have their hands full on defense. 

On defense, the Huskies look to control Nebraska’s own sophomore quarterback, Taylor Martinez, who is in his second season as the starter. The Huskies hope to clog up the Huskers’ vaunted running game like they did in the Holiday Bowl, forcing Martinez to go to Plan B of throwing the ball more often than he would like. In order for that to happen, Washington needs some big plays on defense, specifically a turnover or two to give the Huskies some momentum. 

If the Huskies can control the clock and score early, the Huskers will be forced to play out of their comfort zone. This will be a true test for the young Washington group as they attempt to make a statement early in the season. 

Should Washington keep their heads in the game and not panic on the road, they’ll put up a good fight. Whatever the case may be, it’ll be a good third matchup between some unexpectedly familiar foes. And whoever wins will be in the driver’s seat, not only their respective conference, but in the national rankings as well.