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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Washington-Boise State preview capsule

Today: 7:15 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Line: Boise State by 12.

Last year’s records: Washington (8-6);

Boise State (12-2)

Series: UW leads 2-1.

What’s at stake

Former Boise State coach Chris Petersen makes his return to the blue turf with a young Washington squad facing a Broncos team that is filled with experience coming off a Fiesta Bowl victory to cap last season. Petersen has tried to downplay his return in what is being billed as Boise State’s biggest home game in school history.

Key matchup

Washington’s young offensive line against Boise State deep defensive front. The strength of Boise State’s defense is a defensive line and linebacker group that are all upperclassmen, led by DE Kamalei Correa and LB Tanner Vallejo. By comparison, Washington’s offensive line is filled with inexperience with just one senior starter and a combined 15 starts.

Players to watch

Washington: RB Dwayne Washington. With the Huskies likely starting a young quarterback, the biggest assistance would be a strong running game. Washington closed the 2014 regular season with three- straight games with 100 yards rushing and will get a chance to be the Huskies featured back to start 2015.

Boise State: QB Ryan Finley. After a strong spring, Finley was named the Broncos starter less than two weeks ago. Finley is replacing Grant Hedrick, who graduated last spring after leading the Broncos to the Fiesta Bowl title. Finley does have experience, having appeared in five games last season.

Quick kicks

This is the return game of a home-and-home. Washington beat Boise State 38-6 in the 2013 season opener, the first game in renovated Husky Stadium. … Boise State has won 29 straight regular season non-conference home games. Last loss came in 2001 to Washington State. … Since 1989, UW has opened the season 11 times vs. ranked opponents, going 5-6 in those games.