A new era is about to dawn later tonight with Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer running the show for the Huskies. With coaching regime changes comes, there comes a sense of hope and optimism with passionate fanbases like the Huskies.

Here are some things to keep an eye on tonight as the Husky Football team begins its new journey under DeBoer and staff.

The Kalen DeBoer Effect

They often say that a team takes on the personality of its head coach and DeBoer is a “Cool Hand Luke” when it comes to personality and how he runs his program. After the tumultuous season last year, DeBoer and his staff have really come in and created a brand new culture. Husky fans should see immediate changes and benefits to his new system and rally behind his ultra-positive personality. Coach DeBoer has been a winner at every stop that he has been at, with a 79-9 (.898) overall record in seven seasons as head coach which includes three NAIA national championships. His coaching prowess should reap rewards for the Huskies as well.

An Experienced Michael Penix Jr.

When implementing your foundation as a first-year coach, it helps to have an experienced quarterback at the controls to help your transition. That is exactly what DeBoer has in starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. He has tons of experience in big games during his time commanding the offense at Indiana. The offensive coordinator back in 2019 for the Hoosiers was none other than Kalen DeBoer. Penix is a dual-threat quarterback who can beat you with his arms and his legs. He already has experience running DeBoer’s system, which makes him an immediate threat for the Huskies. Penix will have to prove that he can stay healthy for an entire season?!

Ryan Grubb And The Playsheet

One of the biggest wishes for Husky fans coming into the season was an upgrade at offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach after the John Donovan debacle last year. Rest assured, the Huskies will be in good hands with play-caller Ryan Grubb. Anybody heard of the name Jake Haener? Grubb revitalized Haener’s career at Fresno the past two seasons and turned him into one of the most effective quarterbacks in the nation. While Grubb is running DeBoer’s system, it will be fun to see the discipline and decision-making improve at the quarterback position. Grubb likes to put certain stress on defenses with his attacking style which should be fun to watch!

Edge Rusher Logjam

With an entirely brand new coaching staff coming in and some turnover on defense, Husky fans can get excited about the “Edge” position and its depth! Coming off the edge and getting constant pressure on the quarterback will be a huge piece for the Husky defense this season and they definitely have some “twitchy” talent. Jeremiah Martin was an absolute beast at Fall Camp and has taken his game to another level. Bralen Trice is listed as a starter at “Edge” and from the minute he stepped onto Montlake, expectations were high. If Zion Tupuola-Fetui can be the “ZTF” we have seen in the past, then the sky is the limit for this group! Can Sav’ell Smalls have a breakout year for the Dawgs?

The Offensive Shift

Over the past couple of regimes, the Huskies have been known as a defensive-minded program. Most of that was created by former coach Jimmy Lake and his “DBU” pipeline he established with sending defensive backs into the NFL. With Kalen DeBoer and company now in town, the program will now go on the offensive and put points up on the board! Back at Fresno State last year, DeBoer and Grubb’s offense was ranked #14 in the nation in total offense at 464.8 yards per game. They also put up 33.4 points per game which was 26th in the nation for FBS scoring. While Husky fans have loved defense, it will be a breath of fresh air to put chunks of points up on the scoreboard!

JUST RELEASED !!