Joel Klatt breaks down Washington’s strength as CFP contender

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt is confident in Washington’s chances to compete for the College Football Playoff, in large part because of the offense and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Well, Washington can play defense too. Klatt dismissed any notions that the Huskies are purely a shootout-type team.

Overall, this is a dominant football team that could find its way to the final four.

“The Washington Huskies are the scariest team in the country for everybody else,” Klatt said on his podcast. “That team is easily one of the two or three best teams in the country. Hands down. They’ve got a quarterback that right now would get my Heisman Trophy vote, if I was voting just after one month of the season. 

“Michael Penix Jr. has been the best player in college football. Not a lot of people have been watching because let’s face it, they haven’t had great opponents, but the opponents that they have faced, they have destroyed.”

So far this season, Penix Jr. has 1,636 yards, 16 touchdowns, two interceptions and a 74.6% completion percentage.

“That passing game is the best passing game in college football,” Klatt said “Quarterback-wide receiver combination, the way that they protect the quarterback, he’s never touched. He’s never pressured and they’ve got electric players on the outside.

“They’ve got a great combination of size and athleticism. And also slot guys that can run and are terrific in space. They’ve got a coach that understands offensive football. He’s one of these you know, almost savant when it comes to play calling and Kalen DeBoer. And he’s also a terrific head coach that nobody knows about.”

Washington is a bonafide College Football Playoff contender

As far as the defense, some will point to the totals Washington’s given up over the course of the game. There’s a problem with the lack of defense theory, the Huskies are simply coasting.

“(Some will say they) don’t play defense, what are you talking about,” Klatt said. “Washington can’t beat anybody. I totally disagree with you, completely disagree with you. In fact, if you actually go back and you watch the games, and if you go back and you actually look through the play by play, this is what you’ll find. 

“When it comes to Washington, you’ll find that when Michael Penix Jr. actually leaves the game, they’ve had leads like 52 to 12 … the guy has thrown 10 passes in the fourth quarter, because he’s out. They don’t need him through three quarters. They are housing everybody. Everybody.” 

Washington returns to action Saturday on the road against Arizona.