Three keys to a Washington football homecoming win over Penn State

After back-to-back wins on the road in Big Ten play, Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch is seeking his team's third consecutive victory against Matt Campbell and the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday. Here are three crucial factors that could contribute to a Washington homecoming win over Penn State.

Firstly, Washington must run the ball effectively despite several injuries to their offensive line. Both center Kolt Dieterich and right guard Champ Taulealea's availability is uncertain, making it challenging for the Huskies to maintain a strong ground game. Even though Penn State's defense is ranked No. 16 in the conference against the run, allowing an average of 154.88 yards per game, the Huskies themselves have struggled in this area, averaging only 95 yards per game in the Big Ten.

However, Demond Williams Jr., who is set to return to his starting role, could provide a much-needed boost to the backfield, which features freshman Brian Bonner and transfers Jayden Limar and Trey Cooley. Williams' scrambling abilities could help break through Penn State's defensive line.

Secondly, the Huskies need to pressure quarterback Rocco Becht. Becht, an Iowa State transfer, has made mistakes this season, throwing for only four touchdowns and five interceptions against Big Ten opponents while completing just 60.6 percent of his passes in conference play. Unlike Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea, who Washington's defensive line had a significant impact on, Becht is more of a traditional pocket passer.

If the Huskies can apply pressure on Becht, it could force him to make critical errors, disrupting his ability to execute game plans effectively.

Lastly, controlling field position will be vital in the game. Washington's punter, Hunter Green, has been recognized for his outstanding performance, ranking sixth nationally in punting with an average of 48.1 yards per punt, which is also the best in the Big Ten. Their strong punt coverage unit, led by Hunter Green, will be crucial in forcing the Nittany Lions to drive the length of the field.

Coach Fisch emphasized the importance of making the Nittany Lions go the long way against their defense, highlighting that being confident in the punt landing area can make a significant difference in the outcome of the game.