While Washington's College Football Playoff chances are slim to none, that doesn't mean Jedd Fisch's team can't ruin the hopes and dreams of some of its Big Ten foes. With five games remaining in the regular season, three of the Huskies' future opponents have just two losses or fewer, starting with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, whom Washington will face in Lincoln on Halloween.
Fisch's team will enjoy its off week this upcoming Saturday, as will its next opponent. After giving up a fourth quarter lead to former quarterback Dylan Raiola and the Oregon Ducks, the Huskers will look to get back on track at home next for their blackout game at Memorial Stadium. After the matchup closes out October, Washington will alternate between home and away games, as they're set to face Penn State, Michigan State, No. 6 Indiana, and Oregon to end the season.
Despite the nationally ranked Hoosiers clearly posing the biggest threat on the remaining schedule, Nebraska and Oregon are still technically in the playoff hunt, each with two losses on the year. In all likelihood, a third loss for either the Huskers or the Ducks would be the final blow to their playoff chances.
Coming off their biggest win of the season against Purdue, Washington appeared to have found some momentum on offense behind backup quarterback Elijah Brown and a running game that put up nearly 200 yards on the ground against the Boilermakers. Now, one game is not nearly enough to declare that the offense has found its rhythm, but it's certainly a promising sign entering some critical games.
While the Huskies are aiming to build some momentum, their upcoming opponents have struggled as of late. Nebraska is riding a two-game losing skid going into the bye; the Hoosiers dropped their first game of the season at home to No. 3 Ohio State, and the Ducks' offense has struggled mightily without starting quarterback Dante Moore.
It's not to say that recent outcomes make any of these future clashes any easier, but it does suggest there is a blueprint to follow for pulling off a couple of upsets.
Fortunately for Fisch's team, they will take on the defending national champions on home soil, where they hold a record of 32-4 in Husky Stadium since 2022. As disappointing as this year has gone for a team that entered the season with playoff aspirations, there is still something to be said for finishing the season on a high note and ruining postseason aspirations of conference opponents along the way.
With just over a month left in the season, the Huskies will look to do just that.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Football Can Play Spoiler In Final Month of Big Ten Play