Fansided

5 reasons Washington can still make the College Football Playoff

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen walks on the sidelines during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at Husky Stadium. USC defeated Washington, 26-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen walks on the sidelines during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at Husky Stadium. USC defeated Washington, 26-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) throws a pass against the California Golden Bears during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 56-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The strength of schedule will improve soon 

There has been a lot of hand-wringing about Washington’s strength of schedule this season, particularly after it was slotted behind one-loss Texas A&M in the initial committee rankings. The Huskies played absolutely nobody in non-conference, and didn’t improve their schedule metrics much in the Pac-12 with powerhouses Stanford and Oregon going through down years.

Washington’s only win over a team that is currently ranked is the road triumph against Utah. That could change soon, as the Huskies potentially could two chances to add marquee wins to close out the seasons.

The first opportunity will come on the road against Washington State in what will be the most meaningful Apple Cup in over a decade. Following an 0-2 start to the season that included a loss to FCS Eastern Washington, the Cougars have reeled off eight straight wins and are the only undefeated team in conference play.

Washington State is up to 20th in the AP Poll, and will jump quite a few teams if it can win on the road against No. 12 Colorado on Saturday. Either way, the Huskies will earn one of their best wins of the year if they can pull off the victory, which is going to be a major challenge.

The race to the Pac-12 South title is far from settled, but whoever the Huskies would play in a potential championship game would be ranked at least in the top 15. Colorado is in first place for now and would occupy a top 10 spot if it beats the Cougars and Utah to close out the season. Washington could also get a chance for revenge against USC, or an opportunity to add a second win over a good Utes team.

While the strength of schedule may look weak for now, it will improve greatly by the end of the season, giving Washington a chance to make the playoff.

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