The Offense
Washington’s offense started the game with a bang. The Huskies marched right down the field on their opening offensive drive. The Huskies’ capped off the 12-play, 88-yard drive, with a 2-yard Myles Gaskin touchdown. UW’s next drive was just as good, going 84 yards in 7 plays – ending with a 15-yard Gaskin TD run.
But after Gaskin’s second TD, the offense went cold. Washington would score just eight points the rest of the game. Jake Browning started 9-for-9 but struggled to get much going after that.
Washington’s offense averaged only 5.8 yards per play. UW had just three plays over 20 yards. The lack of explosive plays have been a problem at times this year for the Huskies and it was highlighted in last night’s loss.
Overall, not a very good performance by the offense outside of the first 20 minutes of the game.
Grade: C-
The Defense
The Huskies’ defense gave up 30 points for the first time since 2015, in the Heart of Dallas bowl, against Southern Mississippi. The biggest problem for the Huskies was getting off the field on third down. Stanford converted 10-of-18 third downs. Washington would go on to lose the time of possession battle, 36:05-23:55.
In particular, Washington did not tackle well. They let Bryce Love rush for 166 yards and three touchdowns. The Huskies lost contain multiple times – something they rarely do.
Stanford also took advantage of UW’s injuries. With cornerbacks Jordan Miller (out for the season) and Byron Murphy out, the Cardinal threw a few jump balls against UW’s smaller corners and it worked.
Overall, an off day for Washington’s defense.
Grade: D
Special Teams
The Huskies’ special teams had virtually no impact on the game. Outside of Jake Browning’s pooch punt, that was downed inside of Stanford’s 10-yard line, there wasn’t many positives for the specials teams. Dante Pettis didn’t have a single punt return. Salvon Ahmed had two kick returns for 36 yards.
For a team that prides itself on special teams, there just wasn’t enough impact last night.
Grade: C
