The Washington Huskies rolled on Saturday night with a resounding 70–21 victory over the UC Davis Aggies. The visiting FCS powerhouse was immediately overwhelmed by the talent in purple and gold, as Jacob Lane started the game off with a sack. Things only got worse from there, as the Huskies scored a touchdown on every drive on the night.
Quarterbacks:
Demond Williams Jr. showed more comfort in the system in passing situations and took what the defense gave him on quick slants. He also mixed in some off-script plays where he improvised for bigger gains. Both are important developments moving forward into the teeth of the schedule. The ability to take the medium gains will pay dividends when the competition gets tougher and the games get tighter. With his athleticism, he has the ability to break an explosive play on any dropback, so finding that balance will be important for conference play.
There is still more to be desired in short-yardage throws around the end zone—an area that needs to be addressed going forward.
Grade: B+
Running Backs:
Jonah Coleman is clearly one of the best running backs in the country. He earned his second Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award (in the first two weeks of the season, no less) after racking up 111 yards and 5 touchdowns—all on just 15 carries. The only downside is that he won’t get a chance to win the award three weeks in a row due to an early-season bye week before heading to Pullman.
Adam Mohammed continues to progress into the clear feature back once Coleman suits up for a team on Sundays. Mohammed was more patient behind his O-line and was explosive once he decided to hit the hole.
Grade: A+
Receivers:
Rashid Williams started the offensive series with a 27-yard gain but was sent to the locker room with an apparent collarbone injury. Jedd Fisch said it would sideline him for “a couple weeks.”
This is a big deal, as the Huskies are still searching for a true No. 2 receiver behind Denzel Boston, who was dominant—scoring on a punt return and reeling in 5 catches for 50 yards.
Washington has yet to see Omari Evans in a live game, as he deals with an undisclosed injury. Even when healthy, Fisch has mentioned that some of the younger receivers have passed him—and others—on the depth chart. The two most prolific freshmen receivers have been Dezmen Roebuck and Raiden Vines-Bright, who both had highlight-worthy grabs. Roebuck stole the show as the leading receiver with 77 yards and a touchdown on the day. His 47-yard reception showcased his big-play ability, making tacklers miss and doing most of the work with yards after the catch.
Grade: A
Tight Ends:
While only Decker DeGraaf logged a reception, Coach Fisch raved about the production of the group. He called Quentin Moore one of the best blocking tight ends in football. DeGraaf ended the day with one drop, which was the only blemish on the position group’s ledger.
Grade: B+
Offensive Line:
The O-line overmatched the much smaller UC Davis front. No. 92, Rayne Mayo, Jr., was able to disrupt the interior at times, but for the vast majority of plays, first contact with runners didn’t occur until the second level. Drew Azzopardi continues to look like he has taken a step in the right direction.
Demond Williams Jr. was able to remain patient in the pocket, as the O-line gave him plenty of time to find Raiden Vines-Bright on a slow-developing play.
Taking the opponent into account, there isn’t much to criticize, but the fact remains: this O-line is much improved from last year and looks to continue building cohesion ahead of a hostile road trip—followed by a matchup against the No. 1 team in the country.
Grade: A
