Pac-12 Championship Game 2016: 5 most important players

1. Budda Baker, S, Washington

Washington’s do-it-all junior safety will be the most important player on the field in the Huskies’ effort to stop Liufau and the Colorado offense.

For the first few weeks of the season, Washington’s balanced defense featured both the terrific secondary and the nation’s most productive pass rush. However, key injuries to linebackers Azeem Victor and Joe Mathis changed the complexion of the Washington defense.

The Huskies have good depth defensively and have not dropped off that much, but the injuries left Baker as the undisputed best player on the unit. Baker has racked up 80 tackles, including 8.5 for loss, plus two interceptions and two sacks.

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Like Awuzie, Baker is asked to do a little bit of everything for the Huskies’ defense. Baker bulked up while also gaining some speed in the offseason, which has helped him develop into a terrific run defender to go along with his playmaking ability in the secondary.

Washington will need Baker’s help to ensure Liufau doesn’t do too much damage with his legs in the second level. Baker will also be counted on for run support, as the Buffaloes’ offense has featured a heavy dose of running back Phillip Lindsay this season outside of last week’s game against Utah.

The junior was in top form against Washington State with eight tackles, including a stop on fourth down in the goal line, and an interception. Another game like that from Baker will mean a long day for the Colorado offense.