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

Washington Huskies face Colorado in Pac-12 title game rematch

Washington’s Dante Pettis smiles as he stands on the sideline late in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, in Seattle. Washington won 48-16. Pettis tied the NCAA career record for punt return touchdowns on a 77-yard return in the first half, the eighth of his career. (Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
Associated Press

No. 7 Washington (3-0, 0-0 Pac-12) at Colorado (3-0, 0-0), 7 p.m.

TV: FS1 Radio: 107.1-FM

Line: Washington by 10 1/2.

Series record: Washington leads 10-5-1.

No. 7 Washington (3-0, 0-0 Pac-12) at Colorado (3-0, 0-0), 7 p.m.

TV: FS1 Radio: 107.1-FM

Line: Washington by 10 1/2.

Series record: Washington leads 10-5-1.

What’s at stake

This is a rematch of the Pac-12 title game a season ago, when Washington routed Colorado 41-10. The Buffaloes are trying to downplay the revenge factor and simply referring to this game a barometer to see how they stack up. Colorado is looking for its first 4-0 start since 1998 – the last season under coach Rick Neuheisel before he left for Washington.

Key matchup

Washington’s Dante Pettis has returned a punt for a score in each of the first three games. That gives him eight scores on punt returns for his career, which ties the NCAA record held by Wes Welker (Texas Tech) and Antonio Perkins (Oklahoma). Don’t be surprised if the Buffaloes kick far, far away from Pettis.

Players to watch

Washington: LT Trey Adams. He and his fellow linemen are keeping QB Jake Browning safe along with opening big holes for RB Myles Gaskin. Adams was a first-team, All-Pac-12 player last season.

Colorado: LB Drew Lewis. He has registered 10 or more tackles in all three games this season, his first as a starter. Lewis spent 2014 with Washington as a redshirt, before going to Coffeyville Community College for one season.

Facts and figures

The Huskies have won seven straight over Colorado. … Jake Browning has thrown for 7,183 yards and is closing in on Jake Locker (7,639 yards passing, 2007-10) for third on the school’s all-time passing list. He’s also eight TD passes away from tying Keith Price (75, 2010-13) for most in a career at Washington. … Colorado is two wins away from No. 700 in school history. … The Buffaloes have won eight straight at Folsom Field, which is their longest streak since winning 10 in a row from 1993-95. … Sophomore QB Steven Montez is 5-1 as the starter. It’s the best start by a Colorado quarterback since Mike Moschetti went 5-0 in 1998. … RB Phillip Lindsay is third in the Pac-12 game with a 126 yards rushing per game. … Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre is part of a 3-0 team for the first time in 28 seasons as a coach on the pro or college level.