The Nittany Lions prepare to face an opponent they’ve rarely faced in recent years in the Washington Huskies — a team that packs a serious punch and could be the best opponent Penn State’s faced all season. Between star quarterback Jake Browning and massive defensive tackle Vita Vea, Washington has a plethora of options it can use to burn the Nittany Lions in what could be a great Fiesta Bowl.

The Team

Washington’s two losses came in surprising fashion — one on the road to Arizona State midway through the year and another in hostile territory against Stanford. Though they fell out of the College Football Playoff race, they’re still a dangerous team hungry for a New Year’s Six bowl victory. Take a look at what the Huskies have to offer against the Nittany Lions.

Offense

Quarterback Jake Browning helped lead the Huskies to the College Football Playoff a year ago, and though this season didn’t go exactly according to plan, he’s still one of the best passers in the nation. Browning boasts a completion percentage of 62 percent on passing plays that develop longer than two seconds, meaning the Nittany Lions would be wise to pressure Browning off the blitz.

Here’s a look at what he’s capable of:

No. 8 on https://t.co/BLIUNFkVHc‘s top 10 plays of the 2017 ? season:

Darnell Davis levels Jake Browning for the @RFootball strip sack.#CountdownTo2018 pic.twitter.com/2mKonud3LQ

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 28, 2017

On the ground, the Huskies are equally as strong with running back Myles Gaskin, who’s accounted for 1,282 yards and a whopping 19 touchdowns. Gaskin has home run potential every time he touches the ball — and for good reason.

Washington Myles Gaskin is a threat with the ball in his hands – either on runs, or catching passes out of the backfield.https://t.co/b4BAELCuDR pic.twitter.com/Fmke4QWCX1

— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) December 29, 2017

Receiving wise, Gaskin will be involved, and should be considered a threat each time he runs out of the backfield. However, there is no comparison when it comes to Huskies receiver Dante Pettis. Pettis leads the team with 62 catches, 721 yards, and seven touchdowns, but his biggest threat comes in the return game. Pettis is the NCAA career leader in punt returns with nine, and brings back echoes of Devin Hester with his return prowess.

The Huskies offense is potent and dangerous, and should match up well against the Nittany Lions.

Defense