I think Penix is definitely the best QB we have and hopefully will face, by a goodly margin. Counter point, Washington really hasn't seen a defense of our quality. From a defensive standpoint it really comes down to whether or not we can get pressure on Penix without blitzing. May seem that simplistic and there obviously a lot of nuances that have already been covered in this thread by folks with a higher football IQ than me. However, at the end of the day that's item one.
Item two, which I really think more important, is whether or not Sark will keep the gas peddle down on offense if we get a lead of more than 10 points. I think we WILL get a lead, and actually grow it into the 3rd beyond this year's historical. BUT... that's when I fear Sark pull his foot off. Hope I'm wrong.
I think we can win either way (though it's definitely NOT a given), but keeping UW on its heals in the early 4th defensively.. turns into a completely different game.