Washington Huskies: 4 Takeaways from 26-16 loss to Oregon
Poor execution and questionable coaching decisions led to the Washington Huskies’ 26-16 loss to Oregon on Saturday.
This was a game the Washington Huskies had several chances to win. Ultimately, questionable coaching decisions, poor execution from the offense, and a worn-down defense did them in. Washington got out to an early 9-3 lead, which they held for most of the first half. UO finally scored a touchdown at the five-minute mark and never looked back. Here are our top takeaways.
Bad coaching decisions
For the second time in 2021, Washington Huskies coach Jimmy Lake made a poor decision going for a first down. The first instance was a month ago against Oregon State, and that failure cost them the game. It was the same thing on Saturday.
With 8:17 left in the second quarter, Washington held a 9-3 lead. The Huskies offense was struggling but had a fourth-and-one from Oregon’s 23. Sean McGrew was stuffed for a loss of one, and the Huskies turned it over on downs. A field goal would have put them up 12-3.
Even if the Ducks scored a touchdown, which wasn’t looking good at the time, it would have kept Washington ahead. The play was a momentum changer. Oregon marched 76 yards in seven pays for a touchdown and took over the game.
Fast forward to late in the fourth quarter. Trailing 24-16 with two minutes left and the ball on their own 10-yard line, Washington had a fourth-and ten. Instead of going for it in a one-score game, Lake called for a punt that would put his gassed defense back on the field. As it turns out, it didn’t matter. The punt snap sailed through the endzone for an Oregon safety and sealed UW’s fate.
QB Failure
Either quarterback Dylan Morris is in a sophomore slump, or the communication between him and offensive coordinator John Donovan is bad. Going back to the pre-punt decision, Morris needed one good drive and a two-point conversion to tie the game. He threw three poor passes, and the Huskies’ offense stalled.
Morris finished 15 of 27 for 111 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. With three games remaining this season, the Washington Huskies have to win two to make a bowl game. Morris’ latest struggle shows there needs to be a quarterback change, at the very least. Is it time to go with freshman phenom Sam Huard? Or do they go with veteran Patrick O’Brien under center? Keep in mind if Huard plays in three games, he’ll lose his redshirt.
DB’s step up
For most of the game, especially the first 23 minutes, the Washington Huskies defense played inspired. Oregon had few answers for the D until they called on running back Travis Dye, who had 28 carries on the night for 211yards. Most of his yardage came in the second half (157) when Washington’s defense was tired. That will happen when a team loses the time of possession battle by 10 minutes.
The secondary was outstanding. Even though Washington’s defensive front didn’t generate much pressure on Anthony Brown, the DB’s held Oregon to 10 completions for 98 yards. That includes one pass for 37 yards which happened due to a busted coverage. Unfortunately, it was the play that gave UO a lead they never relinquished.
Special Teams
Washington punter Race Porter was on point against the Ducks. His first punt put Oregon inside the one and led to a safety. The second was downed at the two, and he pinned the visitors inside their 20 twice more.
Giles Jackson also had a great game with 98 return yards. His 47 yard kick return in the third quarter set the Huskies up at Oregon’s 49 yard line, but the offense went three and out. He also ran back a punt in the first quarter for 27 yards.
Next week, the Washington Huskies host Arizona State. They’ll need to improve on both sides to beat the Sun Devils. Go Dawgs!