7 Takeaways from Washington Huskies 27-20 Alamo Bowl Win
In a close game, the Washington Huskies outlasted Texas 27-20 in the Alamo Bowl. Here are our 7 takeaways.
Herb Nightengale
|
In a close game, the Washington Huskies outlasted Texas 27-20 in the Alamo Bowl. Here are our 7 takeaways.
As many expected, this game was close; the Washington Huskies outlasted Texas 27-20. They executed when they had to on offense, and the defense made key stops. Here are our top seven takeaways.
Takeaway #1 – Defensive Stands
Early on, this game was a defensive struggle. Only one touchdown was scored in the first half as Washington took a 13-3 lead into the locker room.
The offenses picked it up a notch after halftime, but this was the Huskies second-lowest scoring game of the season. Only in their 24-21 win over Oregon State on November 4 did UW put up fewer points.
Takeaway #2 – Ball Control
Time of Possession was a primary reason why the Washington Huskies won this game. They had the ball just over 11 minutes longer than Texas.
UW converted 11 of 20 third downs plus 2 of 3 fourth downs to keep the clock running. Conversely, Texas converted only 6 of 15 third down opportunities.
Takeaway #3 – Taking what the defense allows
Wayne Taluapapa had 108 of Washington’s 158 rushing yards. Because the ground game was so effective, it opened opportunities to throw.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had receivers open on short to medium routes. This was important since Texas did a good job defending the deep ball.
Aside from UW’s first play of the game, when Penix completed a 34 yard pass to Ja’Lynn Polk, downfield was a no-fly zone. Penix either overthrew his receivers, or the Longhorns knocked balls away while in tight coverage.
Takeaway #4 – On the road again
The Washington Huskies had their struggles on the road this season. After their humbling defeat at the hands of Arizona State on October 8, UW won four straight away from Husky Stadium.
Attendance at the Alamo Bowl was 62,720, which was made up of primarily hostile Longhorn fans. Despite the partisan conditions, Washington took the crowd out of the game on several occasions.
Takeaway #5 – SPECIAL teams
The Huskies special teams did their jobs well. Second-team all-Pac-12 kicker Peyton Henry nailed two field goals (46 and 23 yards) and was 3 for 3 on PATs.
Also, UW linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio blocked a Daniel Trejo punt in the first quarter to set the Huskies up on the Texas 30 yard line. Washington’s offense struggled to move the ball but cashed in for a field goal and a 3-0 lead.
Kick and punt coverage teams held UT to only 40 return yards.
Takeaway #6 – Better lucky than good
On a day when Michael Penix wasn’t at his best, Washington needed a boost. Yes, the Huskies won and controlled the clock, but they also had some help from Texas. The Longhorns had several drops, which not only cost them points but also created bad down and distance situations.
Takeaway #7 – Top 10 Dawgs
It was a successful season for the Washington Huskies, going 11-2. They came into the Alamo Bowl ranked 12th in both polls. At least two teams ranked between 6-10 will lose, and it could be up to four. That should put UW squarely in the Top 10, setting Washington up for a very strong 2023 preseason ranking.
Now HuskyNation waits for September 2, 2023, when the Washington Huskies host Boise State. In the meantime, it should be a busy offseason. Go Dawgs!