2007 Washington Huskies College Football Picks & Predictions


June 6, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

Tyrone Willingham admits his rebuilding process isn’t as far along as he had expected entering his third year as the Huskies head coach. He’s 17-16 in two seasons, but brightening Willingham’s outlook is the presence of redshirt freshman quarterback Jake Locker, who now will be given the reins. Locker is a dual-threat QB and could have made his name in the big-leagues with a 90-plus mph fastball on his high school baseball team. He reminds Husky fans of Marques Tuiasosopo.

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Tailback Louis Rankin has big-play ability, but frustrates the Husky coaches with his inconsistency to produce in short-yardage situations. He seemed to figure things out lat last season, and could become Washington’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 1997. The Huskies expect to get a playmaker in senior wide receiver Marcel Reese. He had a big game against Washington State to set the stage for a breakout 2007 campaign. The line returns three starters from a unit that rarely varied last season. Right tackle Chad Macklin and center Juan Garcia are the leaders of this group.

The defense looks like a troublesome area as the Huskies lose five of their top six tacklers from a unit that ranked ninth in the league in yards allowed and gave up more than 20 points in 10 games. The defensive line could be the strength of the entire team though, with three of the four projected starters opening every game a year ago. If the front can stop the run and mount a pass rush, it will take the pressure off a back seven that is inexperienced and thin.

Willingham likes the talent at linebacker, but only Dan Howell returns at the strong side spot. Sophomore Donald Butler takes over the middle while sophomore E.J. Savannah and junior Chris Stevens may split time on one side. The secondary is a serious concern with just two returning starters. Teams that run the spread offense could have their way with this unit in 2007. Free safety Jason Wells and cornerback Roy Lewis are the returnees. Mesphin Forrester moves into the strong safety role held the last three years by C.J. Wallace. The Huskies hope to create more turnovers than they did a year ago after forcing just 14, the fewest in the Pac-10.

Willingham appears to be making some progress in getting the program back on stable ground, but it might not be reflected in the win-loss record this season. Willingham will have the critics all over him if he doesn’t get this team to the top-half of the Pac-10 soon. The Huskies face a brutal schedule, particularly early, and are breaking in a new quarterback. Locker is undeniably talented, but is still untested. Look for the Huskies to finish in the back of the pack in this conference.

Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:  50-1 (Field)
Bodog:          150-1
BetUS:         +1200 (Field)

Odds to Win Pac 10:
BetUS:         +1600

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