The Huskies came back from a 21-0 deficit to stun the Utes, 24-21. Here are my takeaways from the huge comeback win.
1. Huskies show their Resiliency
This is a game where the Huskies could’ve laid down heading to halftime down 21-0. It’s a Covid shorten season and they could have made every excuse in the book. But this team did not lay down. They fought and absolutely dominated the second half. Washington out-scored the Utes 24-0 in the second half. Huge hats off to coach Jimmy Lake. I’m not sure too many coaches would’ve got their team ready to play after such a bad start to the game.
2. Stacked Box
We knew at some point Dylan Morris would be asked to do more. And tonight was the night. Utah stacked the box and dared the Huskies to throw the ball. Washington averaged just 3.4 yards per rush and finished with a total of 88 yards rushing. Morris looked overwhelmed at times, throwing three total interceptions (one came from hail marry before the end of the second quarter). Give Morris credit though. With the game on the line, Morris orchestrated a 12-play, 88-yard touchdown drive. Morris found Cade Otton for the game winning 16-yard TD pass. But moving forward the passing game will have to get better as teams continue to stack the box against UW’s potent run offense.
3. Otton Shines
Last week wasn’t a fluke. Cade Otton is Washington’s best offensive player and most important. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound tight end finished the with a game high eight receptions, 108 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. Otton is sure to see more attention going forward as the junior likely plays his last college games.
4. Zion Show
It’s becoming clear the Huskies have a star in pass rusher Zion Tupuola-Fetui. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound sophomore had six tackles, three sacks, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. It’s amazing to think Zion started the season second on the depth chart. But Tupuola-Fetui is starting to show signs that he might be the best UW pass rusher in some time. It’s early but Zion Tupuola-Fetui is beginning to the look like Washington’s best pass rusher in a very long time.
5. Where’s the run defense?
Washington’s run defense is a clear weakness at this point. Sure they were without edge players Ryan Bowman and Laiatu Latu. But this team needs to get better at stopping the run. Head Coach Jimmy Lake mentioned after the game that it’s an area they need to improve on. The Huskies surrendered 215 yards on the ground. And although they were better in the second half – like the game against Oregon State – sooner or later this will comeback to bite them if not fixed.
