5 Takeaways from Washington Huskies 45-20 win over Kent State
The Washington Huskies opened their 2022 season with a 45-20 rout over Kent State. Here are our five big takeaways.
The Kalen DeBoer era at Washington got off to a fine start Saturday night at Husky Stadium. With a combination of defensive turnovers and a strong passing game, the Washington Huskies made their first game of the 2022 season look easy. They scored early and often en route to beating MAC school Kent State 45-20. These are our five takeaways from the game.
#1 In-Sync
New Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the offense looked like they were in midseason form. They scored the first four times they had the ball. Whether it was all due to them or Kent State’s defense, UW will take it.
Penix definitely does well in this offensive system, which he became familiar with when Huskies’ head coach Kalen DeBoer was his offensive coordinator for a season at Indiana. MPJ was comfortable spreading the ball around, connecting with nine different receivers. He threw for 345 yards and 4 touchdowns on 26 of 39 passing.
The run game was featured early on and mostly on first down. After their first possession, the Huskies primarily threw the ball.
#2 Turner Backs Up the Hype
Asa Turner, safety and the face of the Washington Huskies during media day, showed why he’s one of the Pac-12’s top defensive backs. He picked off Kent State on the first play of the game leading to UW’s first score, a Wayne Taulapapa 28-yard touchdown run.
In the third quarter, Turner had another interception. He also added five tackles to cap off his hot start to 2022.
#3 Solid in Front
Washington’s offensive line did quite well in this new scheme. Their performance was a far cry from what they did last year with many of the same players. And they did it without All-Pac-12 left tackle Jaxson Kirkland, who had to sit out this game per his NCAA reinstatement.
The Huskies’ line had only one false start in this new up-tempo offense. We’ll still have to see how the system holds up when they face stiffer opponents.
#4 Steady Not Spectacular
Besides Turner opening the game with an interception, the defense played a steady game. In other words, it was hard to see who else did well. They gave up 340 total yards but bailed themselves out with 3 interceptions.
Kent State’s offense showed some flashes (pardon the pun) of their up-tempo offense. Their quarterback Collin Schlee, making his starting debut, completed 12 of 24 passes for 178 yards and 1 touchdown. A dual threat, he also led the Golden Flashes with 47 yards on 8 carries.
The Washington Huskies will work on the areas they need to improve on at practice this week.
#5 Not Special Enough
The Husky’s special teams had their issues. After the Huskies scored their second touchdown late in the first quarter, they allowed the Golden Flashes to take the kickoff to their 47-yard line. On the next play, UW gave up a long touchdown pass. At this point, the Huskies were up by only one score.
In the second quarter, Kent State closed the gap to 28-10 with a field goal. Return man Giles Jackson fumbled away the ensuing kickoff return. Fortunately, Washington’s defense held fast and only allowed a field goal.
Going forward, Washington’s special teams will need to tighten up, so mistakes like those don’t happen in a closer game.
The Washington Huskies’ next game will be on Saturday, September 10, at Husky Stadium against Portland State. We look forward to more success next week. Go Dawgs!