Semifinal time is almost here. This is my take of the game. First, let's just acknowledge that the Washington passing attack is like nothing we have seen before. The Horns did a reasonable job against their passing last year but what they have now is much better than what they had last year. They will score some points. The key is do we get critical stops.
For me, that means that the defense will have to fool their all-world QB some of the time and we have to at least occasionally get real pressure on him. No small task as he has escapablity and I think the pressure has to come up the middle while the ends contain him. We do not have to do that every down, but we have to do that enough so that we get critical stops. Holding Washington to FG a couple of times in the red zone will be a plus. I do not fear the Washington running game unless we have to make major adjustments.
As to the other side of the ball, we will have to be able to run the ball some. The Washington secondary can be attacked but the Horns cannot afford to become one-dimensional. We did not run the ball worth spit last year against them but we had opt-outs and Ewers had not played well so they schemed the run more. Establishing the run will open up the playbook and allow the offense to fully attack the Huskies' defense. And while we should not force it, completing a couple of bombs will open up the defense even more.
My heart is with the Horns. But this is one tough matchup as their strength in the passing game matches our biggest weakness. But if the Horns get stops when they need to and if the offense is balanced and attacking then we have a good chance at winning. If I am objective I have to say that despite Texas being the favorite that this is a game that can go either way. Halftime adjustments could tip the game in one team's favor. It will also be interesting to see if teams pull out tricks with their month of preparation. Will be watching nervously tonight.
GO HORNS!!!