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Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9). Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

NCAAF Top 25 futures: Washington looks good enough for return to CFP

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 8/10/23

Washington has been in the news a lot lately, overshadowing that they have a team that might be good enough to get back to the playoff. That's right, back to the playoffs, they are the only team from the Pac-12 that ever got one of those coveted invites. They might be good enough for another one this season.

Last season the combination of a new quarterback and a new head coach worked out very well. The gang is all back for another go at it too. The Pac-12 has four viable contenders and depending on the rankings Washington is at the top of that list.

No. 7 Washington Huskies 2023 Win Total

Over 9.5 +125 / Under 9.5 -145

Despite all of the hype, these numbers are telling us the Huskies are not likely to live up to expectations. The price is weighted toward that under and if the market is right there are going to be some disappointed fans up in Seattle. Washington has had good teams before so I am surprised the markets seem so certain this one is not going to measure up.

The Washington schedule is going to be a challenge. For starters, they have no FCS opponents. They begin at home against Boise State and if you are overconfident against the Broncos they generally make you pay. Afterward, games against Tulsa and Michigan State should not be too challenging though. The Pac-12 schedule is no picnic. They start with a home game against Cal that could be a bloodbath but they have all three of the other contenders on their schedule — Oregon, Utah, and USC. Two of those are at home. In November, they play at USC, home to Utah, and then at Oregon State. That three-game stretch will determine how much they are celebrating this season.

Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a breakout season with Indiana back in 2020. He was exciting, but there was no way to see last season's super-productive campaign coming. Now there is no reason to think he can't do it again with the system, coach, and top receivers all in place. In fact, the numbers could even be better, meaning that Washington should have one of the best offenses in the country. On defense, the Huskies have always been able to get players. Their defensive line is going to be one of the best in the nation and when you create havoc up front you can have an elite defense. They are going to be pretty well balanced.

With four top teams in the Pac-12, there is probably only room for a couple of them to have the seasons they want. I like Washington to be one of those two so I am banking on the over. We get a better payoff on that side too. Washington will head to the Big Ten on a high.

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