After four wins in non-conference games, the Pac-12 season begins Saturday for the University of Washington football team. The unranked Huskies take on No. 16 Stanford at home. KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says it should be a lively matchup.Drastically Different Styles
Art says it couldn't be a better opener for Washington in the Pac-12 season.
"Stanford plays old-school football: Power I (formation), run the ball, bloody the opponent's nose and dare them to punch back. Washington is a much more contemporary offense: spread the players out, throw the ball deep. That contrast adds even more drama to the game," Art said.
Budding Rivalry
According to Art, the last two times these teams have met produced some "delightful" games.
"Washington won at home (in 2012) 17-13 beating a Stanford team that was nationally-ranked. Last year they had a great game in Palo Alto losing 31-28, a very dramatic outcome. [Former UW coach] Steve Sarkisian accused the Stanford players of laying down, faking injuries in order to delay the Huskies' up-tempo offense. Stanford coach David Shaw got all upset about that," Art said.
Expect Some Surprises
With the Huskies six-point underdogs in Saturday's matchup, Art expects new UW coach Chris Petersen to deliver some surprises. He's known as a master tactician from his successful tenure as head coach at Boise State.
"I think Petersen has deliberately withheld unveiling some of his trick plays and some of the fun stuff — formations as well as personnel groupings that are at his disposal," Art said. "This is going to be a fun game to watch."
You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com.