Washington dominated BYU, 45-19, in Provo on Saturday. Here are my grades for the game.
The Offense
Quarterback Jacob Eason and Washington’s offense was unstoppable yesterday. Eason passed for 290 yards and three touchdowns. The Georgia transfer was impressive all afternoon – completing NFL throw after NFL throw. Washington’s offensive line played arguably their best game of the season. The stout offensive line allowed zero sacks as they pushed the Cougars’ front seven around. The Huskies rushed for 187 yards on 36 attempts. Running back Sean McGrew started in place for the injured Salvon Ahmed and rushed for 110 yards.
Overall, besides two turnovers, Washington’s offense looked the best they have all season. If they can get the production at wide receiver like they did yesterday – the Pac-12 better watch out.
Grade: A-
The Defense
Washington’s defense had a very nice day. The defense allowed 19 points but seven of those came after a BYU interception that was returned inside UW’s 10-yard line. Outside of that, UW allowed 356 yards and just 12 points. More importantly, Washington forced three turnovers. In the Huskies first two games, they had zero takeaways. In their last two games they’ve had six. Not only was it a big takeaway day, UW’s defense scored a TD. After Ryan Bowman’s strip sack, Brandon Wellington returned the fumble 69 yards for a touchdown to give the Huskies a 21-0 lead in the first quarter.
Overall, the Huskies defense was very good yesterday. They held BYU in check, forced turnovers, and scored a touchdown.
Grade: A
Special Teams
Washington’s special teams was a mixed bag yesterday. The bad, Washington gave up a big kick return and failed at a fake field goal. The good, was Aaron Fuller’s 88-yard punt return touchdown.
Going back to the fake field goal attempt – UW had the numbers as BYU overloaded the opposite side but the Huskies failed to execute the blocks needed to score. Petersen said after the game that the fake field goal was a miscommunication and should not have been run. Considering the Huskies would have gone up 18 points on the road with a FG, it makes sense to take the points.
Overall, it was a good performance for UW’s special teams unit.
Grade: B
