In front of a reported crowd of 56,112, the Kalen DeBoer era was ushered in with a 45-20 victory over Kent State.  The outcome was never in doubt but there will be doubts about Washington’s ability to get off of the field after the Golden Flashes repeatedly wiggled off the hook.  Here is a look at 10 storylines from today’s game.

10.  New Washington quarterback Michael Penix was splendid in his debut in purple and gold.  He went 26-39 for 345 yards and 4 touchdowns.   Washington receiver Rome Odunze was targeted 10 times hauling in 7 of them for 84 yards.  His counterpart Jalen McMillan pulled down 5 of 8 targets for 87 yards and 2 TDs.

9.  Under Penix Washington’s passing attack had one of the more explosive games in the past few years with 9 plays of 15 or more yards.  Interestingly, only one of the plays, a 32-yard hook up to Taj Davis went for a score.  However, Penix was efficient in the Red Zone with three passing TDs (Odunze 4 yards, McMillan 10 and 13 yards).

8.  The Huskies utilized 5 linebackers.  Through the first quarter+ sophomore linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala had 4 tackles and a tackle for loss.  He then gave way to other linebackers as Carson Bruener, Cam Bright, Daniel Heimuli, and Kristopher Moll who combined for 11 stops.  Despite splitting time with the other linebackers, Tuputala finished the game with 8 tackles to lead both teams.

7.  Jalen McMillan led all Washington scorers with 12 points.  However, Husky kicker Peyton Henry was UW’s second-leading scorer with 9 points.  Washington’s offense had seven scoring drives against the Golden Flashes, with six drives ending in touchdowns and one with a field goal.  Henry converted all of his point after attempts and his only field goal attempt.

6.  Kent State’s junior receiver Dante Cephas led all pass-catchers with 105 yards on 6 receptions. He had three explosive plays of 22, 29, and 33 yards.  However, the Huskies were able to keep him out of the end zone.

5.  Washington has stockpiled offensive talent and finally took advantage of them. Penix spread the ball around, throwing 4 touchdowns to three different receivers.  In all, there were 5 playmakers who scored touchdowns for the home team.

4.  Jack Westover (pictured above) had one of the highlights of the game with a leap after a reception.  Between Westover, Devin Culp, and Quentin Moore the Washington tight ends combined for 4 receptions for 40 yards.  

3.  Washington’s offense finished with a modest 3.9 yards per carry (34 carries for 134 yards).  However, starting running back Wayne Taulapapa had a 5.2 per carry average.  He carried the ball 11 times for 57 yards and the game’s first touchdown.  Pulling out non-running back carries, the 3 running backs had 28 carries for 104 yards and a 3.7 yards.

2.  Asa Turner matched his 2021 season total of interceptions with 2.  Both picks came on the first play of drives, including the first offensive play of the game.

After the game DeBoer told the team that he wanted a turnover on the kickoff.

“You have to go get it, you have to go take it,” DeBoer said that he told his team before the game.

He had to wait one play.

1.  Bralen Trice had the one and only sack for the Washington defense despite being incredibly close to dropping KSU’s quarterback Collin Schlee for a loss.  In fact, on third down Schlee completed 5 of 7 passes converting four for first downs.

“Schelle was hard to bring down,” DeBoer said after the game.  “We had the right angle at times but didn’t make the play.”

While the pressure didn’t produce many sacks it did bring about three interceptions.

The Huskies take on Portland State next Saturday at Husky Stadium at 1:00 PM.