Washington football: Huskies’ keys to victory against Arkansas State
After starting the 2021 season 0-2, the Washington football program has a tough task ahead of them. Many fans thought that their match-up against the Montana Grizzlies was going to be an easy one. It wasn’t, so I can’t expect their match-up against Arkansas State to be any easier.
At this point, the keys to victory for the Washington Huskies are pretty obvious. However, I feel like I have to keep repeating them in order for them to come true.
Washington football needs consistency on offense
Insiders had nothing but positive things to say about the Husky offense during Fall camp. Whatever was working for them then, certainly isn’t working for them now.
The offense has been too predictable and stale. There is zero creativity and no adjustments have been made. This is why they have only put up 17 points altogether in two games.
In Week two against the Michigan Wolverines, Washington football offensive coordinator John Donovan was so set on establishing the run. From their very first rushing attempt, Michigan was there to stuff the line of scrimmage. But for some reason, the Huskies wanted to stick with the run and kept running into a stacked box.
Quarterback Dylan Morris couldn’t gain much with his arm, but to his defense, his offensive line was getting manhandled and he had to get the ball out as swiftly as he could.
The Huskies have to start fast and hard against Arkansas State in Week three. Donovan can not force the run it is not working and he has to incorporate intermediate passing plays early on.
Run defense has to step up
Washington’s defense can not afford to give up 343 rushing yards again this week. The secondary has done their part in stopping the pass despite only 38 total passes being attempted against them.
The Husky defense wasn’t solid against the run last year either. They allowed an average of 163.3 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry. So far this year, they are allowing an average of 235 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry.
Odds and prediction for Week 3. light. MORE on Washington Huskies vs Arkansas State
Jimmy Lake must coach his players right
The head coach of this football team has to stop making excuses and start showing results. Jimmy Lake can’t keep repeating the same mistakes every week.
He noted in his press conference that there is still a lot of football left to play. What he needs to realize is that isn’t an NFL team. You can’t perform poorly for the first four or five games and expect to be okay in the end. With two losses under the Huskies’ belt so far, Washington likely has already lost their chances at a Pac-12 Championship Game.