7 Takeaways from Washington Huskies 54-7 Rout of Colorado
The Washington Huskies are now 9-2 after a 54-7 beatdown of Colorado at Husky Stadium. Here are our seven big takeaways.
Herb Nightengale
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The Washington Huskies are now 9-2 after a 54-7 beatdown of Colorado at Husky Stadium. Here are our seven big takeaways.
It would have been easy for UW to overlook the Pac-12 cellar dwellers. Saturday’s game was sandwiched between last week’s big upset of Oregon and next week’s Apple Cup against Washington State.
Instead, the Washington Huskies played a complete game, overpowering a team they should beat.
Takeaway # 1 – Penix Being Penix
Michael Penix Jr. was business-like, leading his team. Not only did the Washington Huskies score on the opening drive (10th time in 11 games), they scored four touchdowns in the first half.
His 229 passing yards were the lowest total of the season. It had nothing to do with Colorado’s defense. Between the running game and Washington’s huge lead, Penix left the game at the end of the third quarter.
Takeaway #2 – Dynamic Backfield Duo
Wayne Taulapapa ran for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11 carries. It was a tough week for the Virginia transfer as three former Cavaliers teammates were murdered last Sunday. He played this game for them.
His backfield mate Cam Davis also had two touchdowns. That gives him 11 for the season. He needs 2 more to crack the Washington Huskies Top 10 for rushing touchdowns in a season. Four more TDs will tie him for fifth, with Rashaan Shehee.
Takeaway #3 – Receiver of the Week
With so many talented receivers, the Washington Huskies can take advantage of matchups. This week Jalen McMillan was the featured receiver. He caught 8 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Takeaway #4 – Open the Bag of Tricks
McMillan’s touchdown came in the first quarter on a trick play. He took a handoff from Penix on an end-around. McMillan tossed a lateral to receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, who flipped the ball back to Penix.
The QB then threw across the field to McMillan, who showcased his running skills by going through a group of Colorado defenders. The end result was a 27-yard reception to put UW up 14-0.
Takeaway # 5 – Getting Stingy
The Washington Huskies’ defense was stingy against Colorado. The only score they gave up came in the third quarter when freshman cornerback Jaivion Green lost track of where he was. Buffs receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig caught a wide-open pass for 69 yards from quarterback JT Shrout.
For the rest of the game, CU gained only 133 yards (202 total). Washington’s defense held Colorado quarterbacks to 7 completions.
Takeaway # 6 – Empty the Bench
The Washington Huskies reserves played came in during the last of the third quarter. Richard Newton, who struggled with injuries for the last couple of years, had a touchdown run in the third. Then Sam Adams added another in the fourth.
Backup quarterback Dylan Morris completed 4 of 7 passes for 66 yards, including the touchdown to Adams. The reserve defenders didn’t give up any points.
Takeaway # 7 – Telltale Stats
A few numbers tell the story of Washington’s domination.
- Offensive Yards from Scrimmage: Washington 575 – Colorado 202
- Colorado kickoff returns: 8 – Colorado pass completions: 7
- Colorado leading tackler Simeon Harris: 8 – Washington tackles for loss: 7
- Colorado kick return yards: 136 – Passing yards: 123 – Rushing yards: 79
Next up, the Washington Huskies look to avenge last year’s embarrassing 40-13 Apple Cup loss.