Stanford vs. Washington: 5 Bold Predictions

By Shawn Spencer

5 Bold Predictions For Stanford vs. Washington

Stanford vs. Washington — The Stanford Cardinal and Washington Huskies renew their rivalry this week in Seattle. Stanford has been on the winning end of this game five of the last six years. Since 2008, Stanford has outscored Washington 219-108. Will Stanford be able to extend the team's recent dominance over Washington? Will the Huskies be able to stay undefeated? Here are five bold predictions for this Pac-12 matchup.

5. Washington Will Struggle To Move Ball on Offense

Chris Petersen Washington

5. Washington Will Struggle To Move Ball on Offense

Chris Petersen Washington — Washington can't afford to trail Stanford by more than one score because the passing game has not been effective. The Huskies are currently the No. 106-ranked pass offense in the nation. QB Cyler Miles has yet to reach 200 yards passing in a game this season, and that's against teams such as Georgia State and Eastern Washington. Stanford has the No. 1 pass defense in the country and will completely shut down the Washington passing game.

4. Andrus Peat Will Dominate Hau'oli Kikaha

Andrus Peat Stanford

4. Andrus Peat Will Dominate Hau'oli Kikaha

Andrus Peat Stanford — Stanford LT Andrus Peat and Washington DE Hau'oli Kikaha both have first-round talent, but Peat has the advantage in this matchup. Peat has the quickness to stay with Kikaha and should be able to overpower the DE once engaged. Kikaha's draft stock shouldn't take much of a hit after this game. He will likely move to OLB in the NFL and won't play with his hand in the dirt across from star left tackles very often.

3. Shaq Thompson Will Step Up on Both Sides of Ball

Shaq Thompson Washington

3. Shaq Thompson Will Step Up on Both Sides of Ball

Shaq Thompson Washington — If Washington wants to beat Stanford, head coach Chris Petersen will need to use misdirection and a few trick plays from his Boise State days. With Washington lacking playmakers on offense, Petersen can use Shaq Thompson in these situations. Thompson has proven capable of playing LB and RB. Whether Washington uses him to run the ball or as a decoy, the Huskies need Thompson to make an impact on both sides of the ball.

2. Marcus Peters Covering Ty Montgomery Will Be Most Exciting Part of Game

Ty Montgomery Marcus Peters

2. Marcus Peters Covering Ty Montgomery Will Be Most Exciting Part of Game

Ty Montgomery Marcus Peters — Last year, Ty Montgomery returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and added a receiving touchdown. Despite the two scores, CB Marcus Peters played well against Montgomery. The Stanford WR finished with three catches for 56 yards. Hopefully, QB Kevin Hogan throws to Montgomery often so we can watch these two stars face off. NFL scouts will be all over this matchup as Montgomery and Peters are both late-first to early-second round picks.

1. Stanford Hands Washington First Loss of Season

Stanford Cardinal

1. Stanford Hands Washington First Loss of Season

Stanford Cardinal — The winner of this game will likely be the only team left to challenge Oregon for the Pac-12 North title. Both teams will look to control the ball on offense and win the time of possession battle. If either team goes down by two scores, it will be very difficult to come back from. Both teams are loaded with NFL talent, but Stanford is the better team. The Cardinal will defeat Washington for the sixth time in seven years.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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