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University of Washington Huskies Football

Pac-12 North Thud: Disappointing Washington hosts Stanford

Washington quarterback Jake Browning (3) passes against California during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Berkeley, Calif. (Ben Margot / AP)
By Tim Booth Associated Press

SEATTLE – Somewhere along the line, Washington and Stanford’s anticipated showdown for the Pac-12 North title got sidetracked. Or better yet, sideswiped.

For the Cardinal, it was a pair of unexpected home losses to Utah and Washington State. For the Huskies, it was road stumbles at Oregon and, shockingly, at California.

Now Saturday’s matchup in Seattle has become an elimination game instead of the premier matchup it was supposed to be. The loser will be saddled with three conference losses and will need a lot of help to catch No. 10 Washington State by the end of the regular season.

The Cardinal (5-3, 3-2 Pac-12) are already in the position of needing extra help after losing to Washington State last week. A third conference loss would essentially eliminate any hopes of a division title.

Washington’s situation isn’t as precarious, but a loss would be a huge blow. The Huskies (6-3, 4-2) still have a matchup with Washington State in the regular-season finale. A win Saturday plus a win over Oregon State in two weeks could mean the Apple Cup rivalry game will be a winner-take-all affair for the second time in three seasons.

But it’s still a huge disappointment for Stanford and Washington to be in this position. In a sign of how much luster has come off what was supposed to be one of the biggest Pac-12 North games of the season, the Huskies and Cardinal are being relegated to the Pac-12 Network.

Washington’s biggest question will be how it reacts after last week’s offensive slog in a 12-10 loss to California that included the benching of starting quarterback Jake Browning in the second half. The Huskies have been regressing offensively in recent weeks, but should be getting a boost with the possible return of running back Myles Gaskin after he missed the past two games with a shoulder injury. Washington might also see the season debut of talented tight end Hunter Bryant, who has yet to play due to an offseason knee injury.

“We’re sitting in there every week figuring out how do we make this a little bit better. We will make progress,” Washington coach Chris Petersen said.

Stanford’s biggest question will be the status of running back Bryce Love, who has rushed for only 413 yards and three touchdowns while dealing with a lingering ankle problem. Love had 71 yards rushing last week against Washington State, but carried just six times.