within a boxing match, the boxer with nothing to lose usually seems to have the edge over the won with the weight on his shoulders - if he can survive the first 3 rounds.  A few early jabs landed, withstand a few early strikes from your opponent and by the middle rounds momentum has begun playing a cruel trick on the favorite...

- After the tough loss last week, UW has a pretty decent amount of pressure to win this game

- According to 90% of experts, Las Vegas and most fans, UW should win this game

- SU hasn't won on the west coast in years, is playing in a very hostile environment and has less talent then UW

- If UW wins, they should win so it's nothing special.  Locker stays in the Heisman race, maybe improves his positioning, team is on track. 

- If UW loses, lordy lordy this would not be good.  0-2 to start a season, non conference or not, is not ideal.  Lockers candidacy takes a hit  but more importantly this loss would be a huge black spot for Sark and the program.

-  Syracuse effectively has no pressure in this game, they want to win this game but are not expected to for numerous reasons and factors.  They have absolutely nothing to lose.  

For Washington, this makes Syracuse a very dangerous opponent.  The longer they allow SU to stick around, the more pressure falls on their shoulders.

Any mistake by UW, any big play by SU, or if UW does not get out ahead early the pressure will build, younger players might try to do too much, over think things, the stress and pressure would be compounded in each player.

Now I'm not saying UW to fold into a fetal position and cry by any means.   It's incredibly likely they come out firing and none of this is an issue.  But HCDM has to be aware of all of this and telling his boys the same thing, keep it close early, don't try to do too much - wait for the right moments.

This is what represents their best chance to win, put pressure on the Huskies mentally first, then start bringing heat at Jake via multiple formations and blitzes.

Thoughts?