Joel Klatt breaks down why Michael Penix Jr. is key to Washington-Oregon game

Michael Penix Jr. is arguably the biggest key to the Washington–Oregon game this weekend, as Joel Klatt broke down the quarterback’s talent level.

With the Huskies hosting, Washington is the favorite to win this one betting wise, but Oregon has its fair shake too. If Penix Jr. delivers as he has this season, it may be too difficult for Oregon’s defense to stop him.

Overall, the Ducks might have more, but Penix Jr. is Washington’s x-factor.

“Oregon’s probably the most balanced team, yes, and then Washington has this rare ability to be the I think the scariest team out there just because of how high end their passing game can be,” Klatt said Wednesday on The Herd.

“This passing game for Michael Penix, I was actually talking about this on my show earlier this week Colin, he’s a great passer of the football. And there’s a difference. We always talk about throwers. ‘Oh, you know, he can make every throw. He’s got great arm talent.’ This is how we talk about it in the draft so on and so forth. Penix, yes, can do all those things. But he’s also a great passer like a great point guard.”

Michael Penix Jr. is the biggest key for Washington vs. Oregon

Klatt broke it down from a film perspective as to why Penix Jr. is nearly unstoppable this season.

“If you actually watch him play, the leverage with which he delivers the ball is always the proper leverage away from the defender communicating with his ball placement,” Klatt said. “He’s always giving his guy a chance to win. It’s not just highlights either. It’s like you watch his game tape and every throw is leveraged properly and that’s why they’re so good.” 

How much does this Washington-Oregon game mean to both squads? The peak of college football at the end of the season.

“(Washington’s) really, really good, but Oregon is super balanced and probably overall a better team,” Klatt said. “But if they can win up there in that environment, that remains to be seen … The winner of this game is a true, without a doubt, national championship caliber team.”

This season, Penix Jr. has 1,999 yards, 16 touchdowns, two interceptions and a 74.7% completion percentage. He picked up right where he left off last year and then some.

Oregon heads to Washington Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET for a matchup of the No. 8 and 7 ranked teams, respectively.