Urban Meyer: ‘Washington is a team that won’t be beat’

Washington may be viewed as potential long shot to win the College Football Playoff, but former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer sees an attitude with this Huskies team that he absolutely loves.

Washington’s undefeated record was certainly earned, as the Huskies squeaked out a pair of tight victories over Oregon and escaped in one-score contests throughout the seasons, even in their regular season finale vs. Washington State. But all the adversity Washington has overcome reminds Meyer of a quote he once heard.

“A coach once said — it stuck with me — a team that won’t be beaten can’t be beat. And it’s one of those… Washington is that team this year,” he stated on Urban’s Take with Tim May.

For this type of team, impossible challenges are everyday tasks.

“You know, I think TCU was that team last year — to where the strength of the team was that locker room,” Meyer said. “To beat Oregon twice in a year, I don’t wanna say it’s impossible, it’s impossible. I spoke to the coach briefly, but there must be something.”

Plus, he’s not buying into the notion that one special player, Michael Penix, is to thank for all of the success.

“I don’t know, it’s the one of the four teams I’ve watched the least, but I hve watched them. I kept hearing the defense is not very good, it’s just about Penix — it’s not,” Meyer added. “They’re an excellent team, top to bottom excellent team, and they’re one of those teams that will not be beat.”

That mantra rung true for Urban Meyer’s championship team at Ohio State. While that OSU club had a great starting quarterback as well, they were able to prove what a strong and complete team they were by ultimately winning the biggest games of the year with a reserve taking snaps.

“Our ’14 Buckeye team was that way. You know, Cardale Jones goes in at quarterback and then our defense plays better,” Meyer said. “Cardale Jones goes to quarterback and Zeke Elliott runs for three straight 200+ yard games in the stretch run there.”

Turning the focus back to Washington, Meyer reiterated one more time: “So, Washington is a team that won’t be beat.”

Is that a prediction for the Huskies to win it all? Perhaps not, but Urban Meyer certainly does admire the can’t-lose attitude of this team and their refusal to ever lie down. They’ll surely be tested once again as UW readies to face the best Texas team in years in their CFP semifinal matchup at 8:45 pm ET on Jan. 1.