This is not the same Washington as a year ago, and not only because HC Kalen DeBoer and most of his staff moved to Alabama. Most of that 2023 team, including QB Michael Penix, have moved on as well (many to the NFL), as new HC Jedd Fisch is not working from the same deck as did DeBoer. The Huskies offense is also still in adjustment phase with new QB Will Rogers (via Mississippi State), and failed to execute properly in crucial situations during last week's bitter Apple Cup loss to the Cougs. Meanwhile, the Cats have switched pitchers for this week, as David Braun not willing to risk mistakes by ex-Vandy Mike Wright, and opts for another dual-threat, Jack Lausch. Play Northwestern

The Huskies are coming off a heartbreaking home loss to rival Washington State, when they failed on a 4th-and-1 option play in the waning minutes. Now they make their Big Ten debut against a 2-1 Northwestern team. The Wildcats made a QB change before Week 3, going with Chicago native Jack Lausch. He replaced the struggling Mike Wright and was brilliant vs. Eastern illinois, throwing for 227 yards and two scores and rushing for 62 yards. QB Jack Lausch made his first career start last week against FCS foe Eastern Illinois and threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 62 yards. Look for Washington to win but not cover.