After the Oregon Ducks got on the board first with an early touchdown, the Washington Huskies turned to their offense and actually found a bit of success. With Demond Williams Jr. getting the start at quarterback for the Huskies, UW was able to put together a fairly successful, aesthetically pleasing, methodical drive down the field.
With nine plays, Washington was able to march 65 yards down the field, setting the Huskies up for a chance to score. While Washington was unable to get into the end zone on their first drive against the Ducks, the Huskies did get a solid 26-yard field goal from Grady Gross to get on the board.
And it’s worth noting just how steady Williams looked in his first drive in what is his first career start as the Huskies’ quarterback. He seemingly effortlessly completed three passes off three attempts for 45 yards. Williams also had a trio of carries for seven additional yards.
The highlight of the drive had to be when Williams was able to connect with Jeremiah Hunter on an impressive 34-yard pass to open things up and challenge Oregon’s defense early on. Not bad from the young quarterback.
And it’s worth noting that UW fans were pretty happy to see the early success from their young quarterback.
Washington Husky football fans excited by Demond Williams Jr.’s first drive against the Oregon Ducks
Here’s what Washington fans and the media who cover the Huskies were thinking following the drive:
well, making field goals is better than missing field goals
— The Husky Haul (@HuskyHaul) December 1, 2024
Encouraging opening drive for UW freshman QB Demond Williams, who went 3-3 for 45 yards an rushed for seven yards -- without forcing anything.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) December 1, 2024
We did not get shutout! (Demond Williams makes me excited and will help me cope tonight)
— Dane Crane (@DaneCrane55) December 1, 2024
Washington is in a tough test right now. The Ducks, in Autzen Stadium, are hard to beat. And Williams is a true freshman being tasked with trying to upend the top-ranked team in the country. That’s not going to be easy. And so far, things are looking pretty decent for the young quarterback.
Washington drives to Oregon's 10-yard line but settles for Grady Gross' 26-yard field goal to make it 7-3. Saw what makes Demond Williams different on that drive — a nice throw on the first play, and a 9-yard keeper to convert a third down — but drive stalled after a 3-yard loss.
— Christian Caple (@ChristianCaple) December 1, 2024
Williams' first career drive as a starter ends in points after a 26-yard make by Grady Gross. Very confident looking drive engineered by the young QB
— UW Dawg Pound (@UWonSBN) December 1, 2024
I am kinda curious what this dude is thinking right now:
Brave soul @UW_Football pic.twitter.com/k3a2SYMyvz
— Kim Grinolds (@KimGrinolds) December 1, 2024
Washington will need to continue to play at a high level and the Huskies can’t afford to make any mistakes on the road if they want to get a win over the No. 1 team in the country. They’ll also need to get touchdowns instead of field goals. But this is an encouraging start.