Prior to the Michigan State game, there were five questions the UW program needed to find answers to. Were the Huskies successful in doing that? Below are the conclusions drawn to said questions. To look back at why these questions were posed, view it here: https://realdawghuskies.com/michigan-state-preview-questions-that-need-answers/
Who is the Dynamic DB Duo?
Coming into this game, it was touched on that Mishael Powell was clearly the leader at the defensive back position. Powell needed a right-hand man who can play opposite of him and help carry the load in the backfield. Did Washington find that person? The answer is not really, no. While there are strong players in the secondary who account for a lot of tackles, pass breakups, or tackle for loses, none play the primary DB position. Asa Turner, Kamren Fabiculanan, and Alex Cook all play the safety/husky position.
Verdict: Moving forward into conference play with the DB unit needed the most work, this is a question the coaches need to address as soon as possible.
Who is RB2?
Wayne Taulapapa is the go-to guy no questions about it. The concerning question, was who is the RB2? If Taulapapa goes down in the next game who will be the primary runner from the backfield? There was a pretty good idea on who that person might be, but after the win against Michigan State, Cameron Davis has solidified his role as RB2. In the two previous games against Kent State and Portland State, Davis had a total of 18 carries for 88 yards with a long of 14. The MSU game, Davis had 17 carries for 69 yards and a long of 30. Verdict: For Davis, his productivity-increase and the amount of times his number gets called tells fans that they will be seeing a lot of him on the field and probably in the endzone.
Is the Offense Legit?
This question was the most important one heading into the Michigan State game because the only times fans were able to see the offense perform was at the spring showcase and the two “cupcake” games in the prior weeks. Being tested against a defense who averaged six sacks a game and allowed an average of 13.5 points per game, this was going to be a tell-all for this offense. Putting up 322 yards in the first half compared to last season’s average of 250 yards in an entire game was the best answer to this question.
Verdict: This offense is legitimately very good, bordering on downright scary for other teams facing Michael Penix Jr. and company.
Is Kalen DeBoer a Long-term Fit?
It’s hard to answer if DeBoer is truly a long-term fit after just three games in his coaching career here at Washington. Games will be lost, important ones at that. However, the most promising thing about Kalen DeBoer is his ability to hold up his promises and turn the program around – he did that in a matter of three games. The red flags that loomed in the back of Husky fan’s minds were washed away when he helped prepare and lead a team to victory over a top 25 non-conference opponent in Seattle for the first time in 21 years. DeBoer also helped inject life into Husky stadium and gave fans hope again – gave them something to cheer for.
Verdict: All signs are pointing towards DeBoer being around Montlake for a longtime.
Is Husky Nation Back?
“Deafening” is the word been said the most about the environment at Husky Stadium during the Michigan State game. Some couldn’t even hear the siren after a Husky touchdown because it was so loud. The attendance was announced as almost 69,000 people who watched fans flood the field after the clock expired in the fourth quarter.
This was a huge game for Washington and for fans which explains the excitement around the important win which is why there isn’t a definite answer as to if Husky Nation is back yet.
Verdict: While it may take a few more games to fully get the answer to this question, it sure seems like the fans who wear the colors of purple and gold are back in full force.
