Washington’s comeback came up just short, as the Huskies fell to Penn State, 35-28 in the Fiesta Bowl. Here are some takeaways from the game.
1. Third down kills
Third downs are critical in all football games and the Huskies at times have struggled to get off the field in the most critical times of games this season. That trend was highlighted tonight in UW’s 35-28 loss to Penn State. The Nittany Lions converted 13-17 third downs against Washington’s stout defense. If the Huskies could have gotted a few more stops on third downs who knows how different the game could have been.
2. Another slow start
Washington’s slow starts have been a pattern all season long and it cost them a game at Arizona State. The Huskies got down 14-0 late in the first quarter and at one point were being out gained by Penn State 170 yards to 1-yard. Getting off to a slow start to Oregon State or Rutgers is one thing but it can’t happened against a quality opponent such as Penn State.
3. Huskies’ offensive line still has work to do
Washington has lost just five games in the last two seasons. In all those games, UW for the most part struggled blocking up front. UW’s offensive line played much better in the second half but for the majority of the game they failed to open up holes for running back Myles Gaskin and struggled in pass protection. The Huskies played a majority of their season without star left tackle Trey Adams and it didn’t help things tonight.
4. Hats off to Penn State
James Franklin has done an incredible job since arriving at Penn State. This easily could have been a playoff team.
Trace McSorley had one of the best performances you will see a quarterback have on the college level. Time after time McSorley moved within the pocket or just got outside the pocket and converted third down after third down. McSorley finished 31-42 passing for 342 yards and two touchdowns.
Saquon Barkley lived up to all the hype against the Huskies rushing for 137 yards and two touchdowns, including a 92-yard TD run. Barkley might just be the best college running back I have ever seen. He has no weakness and can catch the ball out of the backfield.
So hats off to Penn State.
5. Where do the Huskies go from here?
It’s definitely disappointing for the Huskies after losing in the College Football Playoff and Fiesta Bowl in back-to-back seasons. Anytime you get a chance to shine on the national stage it’s a huge opportunity for your program. Although the Huskies failed in consecutive seasons to win a big bowl game, the program continues to trends upwards. Washington in their last two seasons are 22-5. The Huskies will likely welcome their best recruiting class under Chris Petersen when the final signing day happens in February. The off season will be filled with comments about UW being overrated, the Pac-12 being overrated, and things along those lines. But that will just motivate this team that much more. The best is yet to come.
