The Husky Haul
Fansided

Don’t count Washington football out yet

By Roman Tomashoff

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 14: Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies runs with the ball against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the first quarter during their game at Husky Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 14: Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies runs with the ball against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in the first quarter during their game at Husky Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Washington football’s win over BYU was a statement. The defense is still elite, their quarterback is better than ever, and they’re only going to get better from here

Washington football showed out (and scored) in all three areas of the game against BYU on Saturday in Provo. Aaron Fuller took a punt 89 yards to the house, Brandon Wellington had the nicest 69 yard scoop and score you’ll ever see, and Jacob Eason did Jacob Eason things and looked like the best quarterback in the country.

Special Teams

Outside of the one long kickoff return from BYU, the special teams looked solid. Fuller’s touchdown is what made this group have an above average day (making up for the fourth and goal call) and showed this group has promise going forward.

Defense

This is the Husky defense that fans have come to know and love over the last four or five seasons. And despite the scoop and score, three total turnovers, and two sacks, it still feels like a bit of a let down defensively. That came from four or five tipped passes and at least three more dropped interceptions.

The Huskies really should’ve given up maybe six points, if you factor in the wild touchdown against Keith Taylor that should’ve been an interception, the two terrible pass interference calls against Taylor (both balls that Taylor was flagged for PI on were uncatchable) , and the awful targeting call against Joe Tryon.

Not having Tryon will really hurt during the first half of the USC game, but the defense still looked solid without him. Laiatu Latu looks better every week, and the other two turnovers were forced by true freshmen Asa Turner and Trent McDuffie. This defense is young, hungry, and still continuing to improve every week. Benning Potoa’e has been arguably the best player on that side of the ball this season, he’s been a revelation since moving inside to defensive tackle, both rushing the passer and against the run. If he keeps playing like this he’ll be an easy choice for the All Pac-12 First Team.

Offense

Jacob Eason is an all-world talent. I started thinking about what it would’ve been like to see him run the 2016 offense with John Ross and Dante Pettis and my heart couldn’t take it. He fits balls into tight windows, shows off elite arm strength, and can make every throw on the field. He opens up the Husky offense in so many ways, and it’s a promising sight for the Dawgs going forward this year. He’s made his receivers look good (when they can hold on to the ball), and it helps having the best tight end in the country in Hunter Bryant.

The run game has been spectacular, behind an offensive line that has been excellent as well. Salvon Ahmed is starting to come into his own, hopefully he can stay healthy and play against USC, but if not, the Huskies look to be in good hands with Richard Newton and Sean McGrew behind him.

Keep the Faith

Even if it means having to root for Oregon or WSU for a week to beat Cal, I’ll do it. All the Huskies have to do to win the Pac-12 is win out. Justin Herbert is not better than Eason or the Husky defense. Cal is inevitably going to lose a game, and WSU already had their annual “Coug’d it” game against UCLA.

It’s much easier said than done, but all the Dawgs have to do is win. They have the talent and coaching staff to make it happen, so it’s time to get down to business and get it done.

Home/Football