Washington Football team Coach Petersen chants next man up mantra
By Bret Stuter
![TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Chris Peterson of the Washington Huskies reacts during the second half of the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 13-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) TEMPE, AZ - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Chris Peterson of the Washington Huskies reacts during the second half of the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Huskies 13-7. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/430e5d93dc050c2801c3d7224ff4cbbc78b57ce68794e109906e91f60fcddec4.jpg)
As the season advances, the Washington Football team injury list continues to grown. Here is the complete breakdown on all Coach Petersen shared today
Another game, more injuries. That is the way it goes down in NCAA football, particularly in the hard hitting Pac-12. And so, the Washington Football team limps into their bye week no longer undefeated. In fact, the team is no longer as confident as they were just a week ago.
Two playmakers went down against Arizona State University. And neither will return to help their teammates this season.
Trey Adams and Jordan Miller are out for the season. Ugh
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) October 16, 2017
Once again, now comes the scramble to slot new faces in the void. The next man up is working overtime now. Who will rise to the challenge? The debate is already underway.
Joyner is already starting in Murphy's place. This opens door for true frosh Elijah Molden or Keith Taylor. Jomon Dotson in mix too. https://t.co/35B3QYQMgS
— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) October 16, 2017
No no no, we can’t do it piecemeal. Let’s get back to the known injury status of some weeks ago. Then, we’ll get the coaching staff take on who steps up:
Injury Report
Per Jude’s report earlier in the season, the Huskies injury report looked like this (amended with new information):
Player Position Injury Estimated To Return
- Bryon Murphy Cornerback Broken Foot 6-8 weeks
- David Ajamu Tight End Ankle Out for season
- Andre Baccellia Wide Receiver Concussion TBD
- Chico McClatcher Wide Receiver Ankle Out for season
- D.J. Beavers Linebacker Achilles Tendon TBD
- Drew Sample Tight End Injured Leg returned for ASU game
- Jordan Miller Cornerback Ankle Out for season
- Trey Adams Offensive Tackle Right knee Out for season
And then add in Coach Petersen’s Monday press conference
Watch: Coach Petersen Weekly Press Conference#PurpleReignhttps://t.co/tmyCkFYVD4
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) October 16, 2017
Who is the next man up now?
Next man up? Andrew Kirkland and Jomon Dotson
Left tackle responsibility will likely fall upon Andrew Kirkland. Referred to as “fireman” by Coach Petersen, the 6-foot-5 290 pound behemoth has had plenty of looks at left tackle. He has played at all positions save center. Coach Petersen also mentioned 6-foot-4 265 pound offensive tackle Luke Wattenberg as getting some reps (repetitions) at left tackle as well.
As for the fallen CB Jordan Miller. The first player mentioned by Coach Petersen was 5-foot-10 181 pound junior defensive back Jomon Dotson. You may recall Dotson intercepted a pass against the Montana Grizzlies and returned it for a 68 yard touchdown. Let’s hope there is more where that came from.
Silver lining
The good news is that the team does have experienced players to fill the new vacancies. And formerly injured tight end Drew Sample is back and will likely work into the offense. Even cornerback Byron Murphy, still injured, may return by the time the team faces Stanford University on the road.
But for now, the team must heal and regroup. Coaches must throw out old assumptions and be willing to look at themselves in the mirror honestly.
Next: Washington Football the morning after
Fix the time of possession deficiency. Fix the kicking game. Tighten up the red-zone defense. The Washington Huskies could try a two-back two or three tight-end set to harness their strengths right now. In fact, the Washington Football team can try plenty of new things. But they cannot simply suit up again and hope to defeat the UCLA Bruins.
Injured and human now, this team must change their strategy. Or the outcomes from now one will remain the same.