7 takeaways from Washington Huskies 40-32 loss at UCLA
The Washington Huskies dropped to 4-1 in 2022 with a 40-32 loss at UCLA. Here are our seven big takeaways.
Coming into this game, it’s been a struggle for the Washington Huskies to win on the road at UCLA over the last 17 years. That feat only happened only once, and Friday night was more of the same disappointment.
Washington lost to UCLA again at the Rose Bowl 40-32. The defeat dropped UW’s record to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the Pac-12.
Takeaway #1 – A Winning Plan
UCLA Head Coach Chip Kelly had a great game plan set up for Washington. The Bruins found creative ways to spring running back Zach Charbonnet, putting UW’s defense on their heels. That opened the field for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and his receivers.
UCLA got out to a 23-point lead before the Huskies found their offensive footing in the second half. But by then, it was too late.
Takeaway #2 – Turnovers Kill
Though the Huskies scored in their first possession of the game, Wayne Taulapapa‘s fumble in the endzone the next time IW had the ball led to a 9-point swing. Additionally, two critical Michael Penix Jr. interceptions led to a touchdown and also killed UW’s hopes of closing the gap.
SAFETY UCLA !
LB Laiatu Latu plaque RB Wayne Taulapapa dans la end zone après une mauvaise connection avec QB Michael Penix et les Bruins réussissent un safety !
UCLA 2, Washington 7
📺 @espn pic.twitter.com/1L9uVFfGos
— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) October 1, 2022
Takeaway #3 – No Pressure
Due to the Washington Huskies’ lack of a pass rush, DTR had a career day. The fifth-year senior completed 24 of 33 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns.
Wide receiver Jake Bobo also had a great game. Running precise routes, he caught six passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Takeaway #4 – Rome does it again
Huskies receiver Rome Odunze is emerging as Michael Penix’s favorite target. For the second straight game, he broke the hundred-yard mark. Odunze caught 8 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
starting off HOT @RomeOdunze @themikepenix 🔥
📺 ESPN
📲 https://t.co/HI2gh8HnhJ [https://t.co/NbyYpxjWZE] #NoLimits #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/vjMzWuBqR8— Washington Football (@UW_Football) October 1, 2022
Takeaway #5 – The Enemy is Us
In the first half, Washington made shooting themselves in the foot a bad habit. Offensive penalties drained any momentum they tried to build. Meanwhile, the defense gave UCLA more yards and opportunities to inflict damage, which they were happy to do.
Takeaway #6 – Character Check – Check
When Washington went down by 23 points to open the third quarter, the Huskies could have packed it in and taken their loss. Instead, they sucked it up and turned things around.
UW had three possessions after halftime and cashed in all of them for touchdowns on drives of 75, 78, and 93 yards. Their second half performance showed maturity and character. Traits that will help them down the road.
Takeaway #7 – Redemption isn’t far away
The Washington Huskies football team is down right now, but certainly not out. Next Saturday afternoon, they play a reeling Arizona State team. Additionally, Washington has one more ranked team on their schedule this season. UW can still make it to the Pac-12 Championship game.
Go Dawgs!
What were your takeaways from the Washington Huskies’ first loss of the season? Let us know in the comments section below.