5 reasons Washington can still make the College Football Playoff

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Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) walks back to the bench following a safety against the USC Trojans during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. USC defeated Washington, 26-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. This is still one of the most talented teams in the nation

USC was the only team on Washington’s schedule with an advantage in terms of pure talent, and it really showed. However, the Huskies shouldn’t get too discouraged, as they have the ability to beat any team remaining on their schedule.

While there were a few mismatches on Saturday night, the biggest problem for the Huskies was getting pushed around in the trenches. USC became the first team this season to successfully disrupt Jake Browning with a pass rush. while Washington couldn’t get much push on the ground either. On the other side, Darnold had plenty of time, as the Huskies clearly felt the loss of top defenders Joe Mathis and Azeem Victor.

The concerns about the offensive line are warranted, as it looked like the weak link of the team entering the season. Still, USC might be the worst conference matchup for the Huskies, as they won’t be beaten in the trenches so soundly by somebody like Washington State or Colorado.

Washington has an argument as the best secondary in the nation, with Kevin King, Sidney Jones and Budda Baker all enjoying terrific seasons. This will be by far the toughest Apple Cup of the Petersen era, but Washington has a better chance than anyone to slow down the Cougars with all its talent on defense.

The biggest question mark will be how Browning bounces back from a tough game, although he successfully recovered from some moments of adversity as a freshman. It would be unwise to write off the Huskies just for a loss to a stacked USC team, as Petersen has plenty of talent to work with.

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