Lincoln Riley shares what he appreciates most about Washington offense

If anyone can appreciate a good offense, it’s Lincoln Riley. He has put up some of the best in recent memory and is considered one of the best offensive coaches in all of football. So when turning on the tape to Washington, he had to enjoy watching them play.

Well, maybe not with his defense. But overall, as an offensive-minded coach.

Riley talked about how well Washington uses Micahel Penix Jr. and has the ability to play right into his strengths. Everyone raves about the receivers in Seattle and Riley believes they do a great job getting them the ball.

“The quarterback has really good command of what they’re doing with him,” Riley said. “You can tell he and the staff are really in sync. He’s very decisive with the ball. He’s not much of a runner and does a good job getting the ball out of his hands and playing to their strengths. Which is getting the ball to the talented playmakers that they have.”

Rome Odunze is the main guy for Washington. He leads the team with 907 yards and seven touchdowns on 51 receptions. Ja’lynn Polk is not too far behind him from a stats level, while Jalen McMillian has impressed since coming back from an injury.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has impressed Riley with all of the eye candy the offenses uses presnap. It’s part of the reason the Washington receivers are so open all the time, forcing defenses to communicate while a lot is going on.

“They do just enough with the motions and shifts and all that of changing the pictures formationally to try to challenge or stress defenses. They’ve got good players and a good scheme. They’ve done a really nice job.”

Even with all of the praise, there has been some struggles for Washington since the huge win against Oregon. And when you are a top five team in the country, going on the road can produce a hostile environment.

However, it’s no secret that USC has really, really struggled on defense. Riley has talked about the Trojan offense not putting them in favorable situations. But Washington is going to be a threat to strike at any second with the talent they have coming to Los Angeles.

It’s probably fun to watch on tape in the week leading up to the game but Riley knows he will have to find a way to stop them a few times.