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Seattle • Utah State visits Washington on Saturday, hoping to split an early-season doubleheader against Pac-12 opponents.
Last week, the Aggies lost at Utah, 24-14. In defeat, Utah State played much better against the Utes than it did in a season-opening 12-9 win over Southern Utah. The Aggies outgained Utah but failed to convert two fourth-quarter trips into the red zone.
Another step forward at Husky Stadium will likely give them a chance against slightly favored Washington, one of the Pac 12's youngest teams.
"They're a Pac-12 team," said Utah State nose guard David Moala, "so you know they're going to be loaded with talent. … Washington will be another big game for us. We've got to get back to the fundamentals of football" against the Huskies.
As Utah State's offense continues to find its way behind senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton, the defense's performance will be critical against Washington.
The Huskies are led by quarterback Jake Browning, one of 10 true freshman coach Chris Peterson has played in Washington's first two games. He is the first true freshman to start a season opener for the Huskies and only the second to start any game.
"He's a talented kid," said Utah State coach Matt Wells. "For Chris Peterson to play a true freshman, I have a lot of respect for that because of what he's done with quarterbacks in the past. … To me, when you name a true freshman as your starting quarterback, there's a lot of trust that goes into that."
Browning is from Folsom, Calif. In high school, he threw for 16,775 yards and 229 touchdowns. As a senior, he was the state's Player of the Year. He had scholarship offers from Alabama, Utah and Boise State, among others, and comes off a scintillating performance in a 49-0 win over Sacramento State. Against the Hornets, Browning completed 17 of 24 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns.
"He'll be very productive in that league," Wells said. "The kid has got a great future ahead of him. He's got arm strength and you see accuracy. You know the kid has got toughness and grit, or he wouldn't have won the job in training camp. … I can see the physical skills on tape."
While Utah State's defense will try to frustrate Browning — "They bring pressure from all angles," Peterson said — Washington must deal with Keeton. He threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns against Utah despite taking a shot on his knee in the first quarter that left him limping throughout the game.
"Anytime you've got a guy who can run the ball, those dual-threat guys, it's really hard," said Peterson, who moved from Boise State to Washington last year. "You can do a great job covering guys down field and then there he goes running — first down. … So he brings another element to the table."
Twitter: @sluhm —
Utah State at Washington
P At Husky Stadium
Kickoff • 3 p.m. MDT
TV • Pac 12 Networks
Radio • 610-AM, 1280-AM, 95.9-FM
Records • Utah State 1-1; Washington 1-1
Series • Washington, 2-0
Last meeting • Washington, 53-12 (1998)
About the Aggies • They are 36-13 in their last 49 games. … They have lost back-to-back games just once since the 2011 season. … They are 7-8 on the road under head coach Matt Wells. … They are 8-1 after a loss under Wells. … QB Chuckie Keeton has throw 60 touchdown passes in his career. He needs one more to pass Jose Fuentes (1998-202) and become Utah State's all-time leader.
About the Huskies • They lost at Boise State (16-13) but defeated Sacramento State (49-0). … Since 1981, they are 61-13 at home against non-conference opponents. Two of those losses came against current Mountain West members Air Force (1999) and Nevada (2003). … Freshman RB Myles Gaskins has rushed for 151 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries against Sacramento State.