Prior to donning the Silver and Black each Sunday, many of the Raiders players were wearing different colors on Saturdays, playing for their college teams and representing their respective universities.
This time of the year in particular college rivalries run deep, so we're here to highlight some of the matchups between current Raiders teammates, but former college football foes.
The Matchup:
In this week's installment of the Raiders.com College Football Matchup of the Week, Tony Bergstrom and Keith McGill's Utah Utes travel to the Pacific Northwest for a Pac-12 showdown with Khalif Barnes and Marcel Reece's Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Wash.
Background:
After starting the 2015 season at a surprising 6-0, the Utes dropped their first contest of the year 42-24 at the hands of the USC Trojans 42-24. However, they did return to their winning ways the next week, beating the Oregon State Beavers 27-12.
The Utes are currently ranked No. 13 in the AP Poll and have their sights set on a date in the Pac-12 Championship Game later this season.
Conversely, the Huskies have hit some road bumps through the first half of the season and currently hold a record of 4-4.
The Huskies are led by rookie signal caller Jake Browning who has thrown for 1,595 yards and 10 interceptions this season.
While Washington ranks near the bottom of the Pac-12 North, a win over a quality Utah team would go a long way in validating their season.
A Walk Down Memory Lane:
Bergstrom: After growing up in Salt Lake City, Bergstrom decided to stay close to home, and enrolled at the University of Utah.
During his career as a Ute, Bergstrom made 38 starts at right tackle, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior.
Bergstrom was also named to the honor roll and academic all-conference team as he majored in chemical engineering.
McGill: After two seasons at Cerritos (Calif.) Junior College, McGill transferred to Utah where he finished his collegiate career.
During his two seasons in Salt Lake City, McGill made 34 starts for the Utes, recording 109 tackles (62 solo), with 1 fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles, 12 INTs, 21 passes defensed and 2 blocked kicks.
McGill also led the Pac-12 in passes defensed with 12 his senior year.
Barnes:During his time in Seattle, Barnes majored in criminal justice, starting at both tackle positions during his career as a Husky.
He was named an All-Pac-10 honorable mention as a junior and allowed just three sacks in his final two seasons.
Reece:Interestingly enough, Reece began his career at the University of Washington as a wide receiver, hauling in 48 career receptions for 980 yards and 9 touchdowns.
He also set the school record in 2007 for the longest splay from scrimmage on a 98-yard touchdown reception and was named the team's most improved offensive player as a senior.
Predictions:
Even on a perceived down year, Barnes remains confident in his alma mater and believes they will come out victorious Saturday evening.
"They [Utah] don't want no part of that," Barnes said about the matchup. "I have to go with my guys. I have to go with U-Dub. 31-28."
