The Washington Huskies were certainly not expecting all of these distractions leading up to the Fight Hunger Bowl, but here the team is without head coach Steve Sarkisian who is departing for the coaching job at University of Southern California. Now, BYU appears to be the more stable team looking to continue their impressive bowl game success.
The Huskies will have interim head coach Marques Tuiasosopo lead the team after their strong 8-4 season in a competitive Pac 12 conference. The absence of Sarkisian finished his time at Washington going 34-29 including one last Apple Cup victory. His five seasons certainly had their ups and downs, but the eight wins was the team's highest win total since 2001. Former Boise State coach Chris Peterson will take over after five consecutive conference titles and two BCS Bowl Game wins.
Quarterback Keith Price will lead the Huskies alongside running back Bishop Sankey. The running back ranks third nationals with 1,775 yards on 5.8 yards per carry. He put up 200 yards against Washington State. Meanwhile, Price ranks 25th in the nation 258.5 yards per game. He has 20 touchdown passes and just five interceptions in his senior season.
The Cougars are looking to get yet another bowl win.They have won six of eight games overall, including four-straight wins. After a five-game win streak this season, BYU lost two of three games, before eventually beating Nevada in the season finale.
Taysom Hill ranks 21st in the league with 1,211 rushing yards and 2,645 passing yards. Running back Jamaal Williams ranks just behind him in rushing with 1,202 yards on 5.9 yards per carry. His seven touchdowns paired with Hill's 19 passing and nine rushing touchdowns make BYU's offense very deadly.
BYU and Washington have met up plenty of times. Both teams have split their eight all-time meetings with the Cougars winning the last three. Both have strong bowl game history and the Fight Hunger Bowl will be just another game on the list. This bowl game will feature four of the most impressive offensive players in the nation giving this game the makeup of a true shootout.
