Commentary: After win over Stanford, it's full speed ahead for emerging Huskies



We can’t ignore the biggest story of the weekend: The Husky football team, now ranked 5th in the country – and the only undefeated team in the Pac-12.

Did they win a national title? No. Did they win a conference title? Not yet. But what the Dawgs showed the nation on Friday night is something we haven’t seen on Montlake in at least 15 years: Dominance. Overwhelming confidence. And a team that finally puts fear into their opponents when they visit Husky Stadium.

A win over Stanford is one thing. But a total and utter bloodbath is another. It showed us that these Dawgs have not only matured – but they’re capable of physically imposing their will. That’s a testament to the athletes but also recruiting - and most of all, coaching.

From Day One, Chris Petersen has never flinched. He’s stuck to his plan. And it’s finally paying off. The best part is, they know they haven’t reached the top of the mountain and there’s more work to do. The next (and toughest) challenge is playing a game like Friday night on the road, away from the comforts of their surroundings – away from the electricity we all felt inside Husky Stadium.

And that’s why this week is so important. Friday announced the Dawgs arrival. Next Saturday in Eugene is the next stop on their "Revenge Tour" – and will help show they’re here to stay.

And if that happens, Jake Browning becomes a contender for the Heisman Trophy – for this year AND next. Because this Jake has something that other Jake (Locker) never had: A legitimate supporting cast.

I don’t blame Husky fans for imagining the possibilities just five games into the year. But the players have to refrain from doing the same. They saw the reception the 1991 team received in honor of the 25th Anniversary of their national title. If the laser-like focus remains, those dreams could come true for them too.

Biggest Husky win in forever? Absolutely. A force to be reckoned with again? For sure.

That changing of the guard in the Pac-12 North is just about complete. But now’s not the time to step off the gas.

It’s full speed ahead, Huskies. We’ll see you in Eugene.