UW football

Washington is showing the troubles of previous seasons may be in the past after a 3-0 start to the first season with Kalen DeBoer as head coach. The latest victory over Michigan State vaulted the Huskies back into the AP Top 25 at No. 18.

The early-season starts by the four Pacific Northwest schools would have had all the hallmarks of an exciting race in the Pac-12’s North Division.

Washington made its season debut in The Associated Press college football on Sunday at No. 18, and Penn State and Oregon moved into the top 15 after all three had decisive nonconference victories.

The Huskies stated their case as a contender in the Pac-12 and maybe worth some national recognition. Penix threw for 397 yards and four touchdown, and Washington toppled No. 11 Michigan State 39-28.

A win for Washington would be big in coach Kalen DeBoer's first season in charge. A win for the Spartans would be just as significant in proving they are worthy of their high ranking.

The 25th-ranked Oregon Ducks play their second ranked opponent of the season when No. 12 Brigham Young makes its first trip to Autzen Stadium since 1990 on Saturday.

Washington hopes to avoid getting caught looking ahead to its marquee nonconference game against No. 14 Michigan State next week.

No. 10 Southern California plays at Stanford in the Pac-12's first conference game this season. Both teams are coming off convincing wins.

They’re all set at quarterback at USC and may have just found the answer in Arizona. The verdict’s still out in Oregon and definitely up in the air at Colorado.

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer makes his debut when the Huskies open the season against Kent State in Seattle.