For the past two weeks, the Washington Huskies have been ranked #5 in the AP. In the past two weeks, they have had statement wins (blowouts) over perennial PAC 12 powers Stanford and Oregon. Is this enough to consider the Huskies as contenders? They seem to be doing the right things to earn that label.
The rest of their schedule seems favorable as well:
| 10/22 | Vs. Or. st |
|---|---|
| 10/29 | @ #21 Utah |
| 11/5 | @ Cal |
| 11/12 | Vs. USC |
| 11/19 | Vs. Ar. St. |
| 11/25 | @ Wsh. St. |
Even if UW loses the game at Utah, they will still be the PAC-12 North's representative if they win the rest of their games. This could spell a rematch with Utah potentially. Either way, if they win the PAC CG, they will have to be at least considered for the CFP.
My answer to the question I asked in the title is yes. The Group of 5 seems to be eliminated with Houston's loss, even though Boise State (and their weak SOS) is still undefeated. If UW runs the table and wins their CG, it's obvious that they'll make it. But if they lose to Utah and win the rest of their games, including the CG, I'm still saying they're in.
What say you, patrons of 11W?
