CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Will the pressure of starting his first collegiate game get to Nick Montana?
It doesn't seem likely, considering he grew up playing quarterback as the son of one the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Being the son of Joe Montana and playing his position? Now that's some pressure.
And the comparisons will continue today when Montana takes the field at Reser Stadium for the Huskies.
So, are there any resemblances between Montana and his father?
"I think they are both about 6-2, blond hair, pretty lean guys," coach Steve Sarkisian said. "You're talking about the greatest of all time. Jeez, the poor guy (Nick) is just trying to play."
How the younger Montana will play as the starter is a question that Huskies fans have pondered since he signed his letter of intent two years ago to play for Washington.
Montana was beaten out for the starting job by Price in the spring, and Price immediately excelled in the role. Because most of Washington's games this season have been close, Montana has seen limited playing time.
Appearing in four games, he's completed 13 of 20 passes, including his first touchdown -- a 20-yard strike to Kasen Williams -- in last week's loss at USC.
"I think he's gotten better consistently the entire time he's been here," Sarkisian said. "I really believe that he's improved. But the last month specifically have been his best practices. He's playing faster, and part of that is -- when you get game experience and you realize how fast the game is, you get back out on the practice field and you say, 'OK, I've really got to turn it up, I've really got to speed up'. And it's been a noticeable difference since his first action."
The Huskies aren't asking Montana to play like his dad against Oregon State. If the Huskies are forced to rely on Montana leading them to victory with his arm, they might be in trouble.
Sarkisian made it clear during the week, the game wouldn't be about Montana or Price, it would be about running back Chris Polk and his offensive line. A week ago, Polk carried the ball nine times for 36 yards in a 40-17 loss to USC. That won't suffice this week.
"Chris Polk having nine carries isn't good enough to win in November," Sarkisian said. "So not that Chris needs to go out and have 35 carries, but he needs more than nine touches, that's for sure."
How many?
"Well, I think, we'll have a plan and Chris will get his carries," Sarkisian said. "But ultimately where the real limitations came was in the second half. He just didn't get carries. And regardless of the score, we have to stick to our plan. And he has to get his carries."
Running the ball can help to not only protect Montana, but also take advantage of one of Oregon State's many weaknesses. The Beavers are giving up more than 180 yards rushing per game, which ranks 11th in the Pac-12.
A week ago, Isi Sofele of Cal ran for 190 yards against Oregon State.
The Beavers will likely bring their safeties close to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to stop Polk. But they tried that against Utah and running back John White, and it didn't work. White still ran for 205 yards and Oregon State lost, 27-8.
Polk was clearly irritated after the USC game, and Sarkisian has noticed that his star running back has been taking it out at practice.
"He's ready," Sarkisian said. "I watch Chris closely all the time and I get a pretty good feel for him, and he looks good. I like it when he looks this way."
Despite Sarkisian's plan to rely on Polk, don't be surprised if Montana throws deep a few times early to loosen up the Beavers and to take care of man-to-man coverage.
"In the limited time that he's had, he's completed 65 percent of his balls right now -- and that's with some throws down the field," Sarkisian said.
Since being sacked and fumbling on his first college snap, Montana has slowly progressed.
"He's really gone out and practiced efficiently, he's played fast, he's been decisive in his decision making and maybe that's a result of getting sacked your first play and realizing how fast this game really is and you have to speed up," Sarkisian said. "From that moment on, he's really improved and I've been proud of him and he did a nice job Saturday against SC."
Ryan Divish: 253-597-8483 ryan.divishthenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/uwsports
Huskies game day
Washington (6-4, 4-3 Pac-12) at Oregon State (2-5, 2-8)
12:30 p.m., Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Ore.
TV: Root Sports. Radio: 950-AM, 850-AM, 102.9-FM
The series: The Huskies lead the all-time series, 58-33-4. Washington is 15-6 at Reser Stadium, but the last time the Beavers hosted the Huskies, they won 48-21. A year ago, Washington outlasted Oregon State, 35-34, in double overtime.
What to watch: All eyes will be on redshirt freshman quarterback Nick Montana, who will make his first career start for the Huskies. But this game isn't about Montana. This game is about Chris Polk and the offensive line. Whether Montana or injured Keith Price starts, coach Steve Sarkisian was going to run the football first, run the football second and run the football a little more. Despite Sarkisian's reputation as an aerial guru, the Huskies are at their best when they use the run to set up the pass. They have gotten away from that in recent weeks, largely because they have fallen behind. But there also hasn't been much room for Polk to run. The offensive line has struggled in not only protecting the quarterback, but in opening lanes for running backs. It should be slightly easier against an OSU defense that gives up more than 180 yards rushing per game, second to last in the Pac-12. But with the Huskies starting a new quarterback, expect Oregon State to put eight defenders near the line of scrimmage, not only to stop Polk but to bring blitz packages against Montana. Offensively, the Beavers have been inconsistent, largely because they are starting a redshirt freshman quarterback in Sean Mannion. But Mannion is talented and he has playmakers in James Rodgers, Markus Wheaton and Joe Halahuni to help him out. The Beavers have been their best when running back Malcolm Agnew is healthy, but that has been rare this season.
What's at stake: The Huskies have clinched a bowl berth, but they can't afford a third straight loss. Washington wants to win its final two games and finish the regular season 8-4. Oregon State will be trying to get a bit of redemption in an otherwise lost season. Sending the seniors out with a win in their last game at Reser Stadium would be a nice.
The pick: Washington 31, Oregon State 21
