Washington poses the first real challenge to date for QB Andrew Luck and the Stanford Cardinal.  The Cardinal’s (6-0, 4-0-Pac-12) first six wins have come at the expense of opponents with a combined record of 14-23.  The Huskies (5-1, 3-0-Pac-12) are off to their best start in over a decade.  Last year, Stanford embarrassed the Huskies 41-0 in Husky Stadium. The Stanford defense controlled the line of scrimmage all day, limiting Washington to just 107 yards of total offense.    

Stanford's TEs vs. Husky secondary 

Stanford has arguably the best trio of tight ends in the country. If Washington is to contain Stanford and Heisman hopeful Andrew Luck, they have to control Stanford's three-headed monster at the tight end position.  The group is huge, mobile and each possesses natural pass receiving skill.  Last week vs. Washington State, Luck found the trio for three touchdowns.  Of Stanford’s 19 touchdown passes this season, twelve have gone to tight ends. 

Head coach David Shaw likes to use two and sometimes three tight ends in various formations. The speedy, versatile Coby Fleener goes 6-foot-6, as does fellow tight end Zach Ertz.  Sophomore Levine Toilolo towers over them at 6-foot-8.  The Husky linebackers and secondary have to communicate in coverage or this group’s height advantage will create a plethora of matchup problems.

If Washington can execute a pass rush vs. the Cardinal offensive line, it would help the secondary immensely. However, Stanford has one of the best offensive lines in the Pac-12 with OG David DeCastro and LT Jonathan Martin protecting Luck.  Stanford has given up just two sacks in six games. 

Washington passing game vs. Stanford defense

Huskies' QB Keith Price has had an exceptional season. One of his biggest supporters has been his coach, who feels he’s lucky to have the young sophomore stud.

"The guy plays.  In the football world he's a baller," Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said.  "He just plays the game. I love coaching him. It's fun." 

All Price has done is throw for 21 touchdown passes in the season's first six games. If he has another big day, the Huskies could very well upset the Cardinal.  His accuracy (even more than predecessor Jake Locker) has been particularly impressive, evidenced by his 69% completion percentage.  He has also thrown just four interceptions.

Look for the Cardinal defense to load up and try to pressure Price and get him out of his rhythm with zone blitzes from the edge and the middle, using linebacker Chase Thomas to rush hard in the inside A & B gaps.  Price has weapons in wideout Jermaine Kearse, huge tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and tailback Chris Polk.  The group has combined for 14 touchdown receptions this season.  Stanford's defense must pressure Price.  Washington’s offensive line has allowed 12 sacks and needs to step it up this weekend.  Stanford has a fast, big athletic defense. The advantage in this matchup goes to the Cardinal D. 

PREDICTION:  The home field advantage could be the difference. Stanford's win last week against Washington State was their 14th in a row, the longest streak in the nation and the longest in school history. 

"They're loaded with guys," Washington State coach Paul Wulff said.  "That's why they are a national championship-type team." 

Luck does not commit many errors and he leads a very balanced Stanford attack. Stanford has a better pass defense than Washington and, going into last week’s game against Colorado, Washington was giving up an average of 323 passing yards per game.  The edge here goes to Luck and the Cardinal. 

STANFORD 41  WASHINGTON 28