Washington Huskies (2-0)
Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-0)
For the third time in two years, the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Washington Huskies meet each other on the gridiron. The two teams last met in San Diego at the Holiday Bowl, where the Huskies upset the Cornhuskiers with a season defining 19-7 victory. This surprising result marked the growth of a Husky team that was romped 56-21 by the same Nebraska squad earlier in 2010.
The No. 11 ranked Cornhuskers are currently 2-0 with victories over Chattanooga and Fresno St. Nebraska's week two 42-29 victory over Fresno St. wasn't an easy task. The Bulldogs were ahead 20-14 midway through the third quarter. It wasn't until sophomore star quarterback Taylor Martinez ran for a 46 yard touchdown with two minutes left in the game that the Cornhuskers were guaranteed a victory.
In similar fashion, the Huskies escaped Hawaii last week. Thanks to a late game blocked PAT Washington was able to secure a victory and keep their six game winning streak alive.
Offensive Player to Watch:
Ameer Abdullah (Fr.), Kick/Punt Returner
Sounds silly to have a kick returner as a player to watch on Oklahoma, but Abdullah warrants consideration. We all know about quarterback Taylor Martinez anyways, so here's a guy you probably haven't heard about yet. Abdullah currently ranks second in the nation in kick returns and thirteenth in punt returns. Last week he went a full 100 yards off of a Fresno St. kickoff for a touchdown. Without a doubt the Husky coaching staff has done its homework, but its a bigger question on whether the Huskies special teams will execute correctly to prevent Abdullah from making an impact on this game.
Defensive Player to Watch:
Ciante Evans (So.), Defensive Back
The young cornerback might be overwhelmed by the Huskies receiving corps. Senior corneback Alfonzo Dennard is questionable heading into Saturday's game, which puts extra pressure on Evans who will have the duty of covering Jermaine Kearse and company. Dennard, considered a first round draft pick by many experts, has yet to play this season because of a muscle strain that occured during training camp. Evans saw the most time at the cornerback position behind Prince Amukamara and Dennard last season, but will see his first true test against the Huskies on Saturday. Evans will not have the help of Amukamara or Dennard so his performance will be highlighted if the Huskies try to move the ball through the air.
Washington fans, head on over to UW Dawg Pound for in-depth pre-game analysis leading up to Saturday.