Here are my grades for Washington’s units after there 20-19 loss to California.
The Offense
Washington’s offense actually moved the ball fairly well against a really good California defense. But when it came to the redzone Washington failed to convert. Washington’s three redzone trips resulted in three field goals and zero touchdowns. UW actually out-gained the Golden Bears, 348-303 yards. But Washington dropped 5-7 passes and had two costly turnovers. It wasn’t like last year’s meeting where UW just couldn’t do anything on offense. The Huskies moved the ball but when it mattered they stalled out. The Huskies were able to rush for 186 yards but passed for just 162 yards. Quarterback Jacob Eason didn’t have his best night. Eason had two turnovers and his accuracy was off. But the Huskies didn’t help him out with all the drops. The Huskies offense had a chance to put this game away in the first half but failed to do so. Moving forward they must protect the ball and catch the ball better.
Grade: C-
The Defense
Washington’s defense started off very hot against Cal. The Golden Bears had just three points by halftime after UW harassed Cal QB Chase Garbers in the first 30 minutes of the contest. Coming out of the locker room for the second half, something changed however. The Huskies were missing tackles left and right and losing contain more times than I can remember under a Chris Petersen coached team. The most bizarre thing about the poor defensive play, was how good the unit looked in the first half. UW held Cal to four drives of under 10 yards in the first 30 minutes of the contest. In the second half, California had three drives of 70 plus yards. And when the Huskies needed a stop after kicker Peyton Henry gave UW a 19-17 lead with 2:05 remaining, Cal drove the ball 74 yards in 1:57 – to win the game. You knew there were going to be some growing plains with the defense replacing nine starters but I’m not sure anyone thought it would come against California. The defense has a lot to work on in the coming weeks.
Grade: D
Special Teams
Washington’s special teams started the game with a bang. Sean McGrew returnded the opening kickoff 42 yards, giving UW great field possession. This was the beginning of another good game for UW’s special teams. Aaron Fuller had a punt return for 19 yards. Tim Horn had two touchbacks on kickoff. Joel Whitford and Jacob Eason each punted once – both were downed inside Cal’s 20-yard line. The player of the game goes to kicker Peyton Henry. After a tough 2018, Henry made 4-4 field goal attempts. Henry’s most important field goal was a 49-yarder to give UW a 19-17 lead with 2:05 remaining. Washington struggled in the special teams department last year but they have looked much better through two games in 2019.
Grade: A
