The huge question coming into this game against an abysmal 1-5 Arizona State team was how Washington football would respond after their impressive win against the #8 ranked Oregon Ducks.
The victory over Oregon was considered one of the best wins in program history, and it had fans and analysts wondering if the Huskies could maintain their momentum against a significantly inferior opponent.
However, the Huskies’ 15-7 victory over Arizona State can only be described as ugly.
From the very beginning of the game, it was clear that something was off with the Huskies’ high-powered offense, led by Heisman Trophy favorite Michael Penix Jr. On the first three possessions, Penix threw an interception, followed by a fumble, and then another interception deep in the red zone. It was Penix’s worst outing at the quarterback position since coming to Seattle, as he completed just 27 out of 42 passes for 266 yards, with no touchdowns, two interceptions, and one lost fumble.
This poor performance caused Penix to fall out of the clear-cut favorite position to win the Heisman Trophy. Previously at -140 odds, he now sits behind Michigan’s JJ McCarthy at +200, with Penix Jr. at +300. However, there is still plenty of time for Penix to bounce back, especially in the upcoming game against another inferior team in Stanford.
Washington football can learn from ugly win over Arizona State
Despite the offensive struggles, there were some positive aspects to take away from the game. The Huskies’ defense, which had given up a whopping 33 points the previous week, stepped up significantly. They only allowed a single touchdown against Arizona State, showcasing the character and resilience of the team.
Mishael Powell’s game-clinching 89-yard pick-six proved to be the deciding factor in the game, highlighting the impact of the defense. Players like Jabbar Muhammed, Elijah Jackson, Bralen Trice, and Zion Tupuola-Fetui also made significant contributions, displaying high energy and playmaking abilities.
Moving forward, it is crucial for Head Coach Kalen Deboer to use this game as a learning point for the team. While it was undoubtedly an uncomfortable game for Husky Nation, the defense looked great, and Penix got his bad game out of his system. The team is now grounded after the euphoria of the huge win against Oregon. They have an opportunity to right the ship against the 2-5 Stanford team in Palo Alto, which could serve as a perfect game to regain their confidence before facing tougher opponents in the conference schedule.
What matters most is that the Huskies managed to squeak out an extremely close victory, maintaining their undefeated record at 7-0 and still holding the #5 ranking in the nation. The team’s ability to take this loss, learn from it, and move on will be crucial in determining their future success. With top-25 matchups against USC, Utah, and Oregon State on the horizon, the Huskies must use this experience to grow and improve as they navigate the challenging conference schedule.
In conclusion, the Huskies’ 15-7 victory over Arizona State may have been ugly, but it provided valuable lessons for the team. The offense struggled, particularly with Penix’s worst performance to date, but the defense stepped up immensely.
Deboer must use this game as a learning opportunity, and the team must regroup and refocus for the upcoming challenges. With their undefeated record intact, Washington Football has the opportunity to bounce back and continue their successful season.