Here are some takeaways from Washington’s crushing, 30-22, loss to the Stanford Cardinal.
1. Third down kills the Huskies
Time after time, Washington had a chance to get off the field and they couldn’t do it. The Cardinal were 10-of-18 on third downs. The Huskies’ inability to get off the field, led to Stanford winning the time of possession, 36:05-23:55. Washington’s defense was tired and it showed, especially in the second half. If you can’t get off the field against the Cardinal, you’re done.
2. The turning point
There were a few key plays where you could point to in determining the turning point of the game – mine came when Washington had a 14-7 lead and were stopped on fourth down in the red zone. The Huskies should have had third and inches but a false start moved it to third and six. After a five-yard run, UW had fourth and one, at Stanford’s 18- yard line, leading 14-7 with just under seven minutes to go in the first half. A touchdown or field goal would have made it hard for Stanford to comeback and would have changed the whole game. Instead, Stanford stuffed the Huskies and would outscore UW, 23-8, the rest of the game.
3. Washington’s offense remains inconsistent
UW’s offense has looked great at times this year – while also looking mediocre at times. In two road losses this season, the Huskies have scored a combined 29 points. Injuries to wide receivers Chico McClatcher, Quinten Pounds, and tight Hunter Bryant, have played a role in the struggles. But it seems more like when this team goes on the road, the offense stays in Seattle.
Everyone knew that losing John Ross would hurt this offense, but it’s clear the Huskies miss him more than anyone could have expected. There’s no clear No. 2 wide receiver on the other side of Dante Pettis and it’s showing.
4. Injuries finally caught up to the Huskies
This loss is not because of UW’s injuries to be clear. The Huskies were out-coached and out-played. But injuries to Trey Adams, Byron Murphy, Jordan Miller, Chico McClacther, Hunter Bryant, and Quinten Pounds, have not been easy to overcome. What would the offense have looked like with Chico McClatcher and Hunter Bryant together? Would Stanford have converted 10-of-18 third downs with Byron Murphy and Jordan Miller healthy? Injuries are part of football and unfortunately for the Huskies, it’s been a tough year in that department.
5. What’s next?
Washington’s playoff hopes are done. Their chance of back-to-back Pac-12 Championships are hanging by a thread. The Huskies will need to beat Utah and Washington State, while also needing California to beat Stanford next weekend to return to the Pac-12 Championship. Will this Husky team stay motivated?
