After losing to UCLA 37-31 last week, Washington dropped to 0-2. Irish coach Tyrone Willingham said that makes the Huskies dangerous Saturday.
“What concerns me most, first of all, is their record, because it is deceiving,” Willingham said. “They have played some very good football and that record could very easily be 2-0. It can often create a mind-set this team is not as skilled as it is.”
Of particular concern is sophomore tailback Shelton Sampson, who is averaging 7.4 yards per carry.
Sampson seems “to be very difficult to tackle and they are playing behind a pretty big offensive line that seems to be athletic,” Willingham said. . . .
The last three times Washington started 0-2 (1975, 1985, 1999) it finished with winning records. In 1985 and 1999, the Huskies bounced back to earn bowl berths.
“The only mystery would be the fact they don’t have a win yet,” Willingham said. “I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen.” . . .
The Irish offense has piled up a lot of yardage. It had 276 yards against BYU, 313 yards against Michigan and 388 yards against Michigan State.