Early thoughts on Washington

First, i keep seeing that Oregon has not seen a Washington team like this, with a healthy Keith Price. And that our defense will not be able to handle him healthy.

Apparently, those people forget the 2011 season. Very conveniently, I might add.

In 2011, there were some who tried to throw Keith Price into the Heisman conversation because he had such an outstanding start. He finished the season completing 66.9 percent of his passes for over 3000 yards and 33 touchdowns. The huskies averaged just over 33 points per game that season.

This year, the Huskies are averaging 37.4 points per game. yes, they get a LOT more yards per game (so far) but that has not translated (yet) into points.

Oregon, meanwhile, played in the 2011 game with a defensive line that had to "surprise" people when they played dominant (as they did against Washington in 2011) and a defensive backfield nowhere near as talented as the current group.

The 2013 version of the Oregon defense is bigger, stronger and faster on the defensive line. the defensive backs are better than they were two years ago. The only group who is not as strong are the linebackers.

Offensively, this Oregon team is considerably better on the offensive line, at quarterback an wide receiver. They do not have the "every down" back of LaMichael James, but De'Anthony Thomas is faster than ever and, based on today's report, looks to be 100% as he was seen without a boot and without a limp after practice today.

If you recall, the Ducks won at husky Stadium in 2011 by a final score of 34-17. Oregon opened in Las Vegas as a 10 1/2 point favorite with Thomas listed as questionable. With the news today, Oregon has jumped to a 14 point favorite.

This will still be the best team Oregon has faced thus far in 2013. But Oregon will be, by far, the best team Washington has faced. At the end of the day, if the Ducks play mistake free, they will walk out of Husky Stadium with another victory.