Washington Huskies Drop 27-24 Decision to Oregon State – 3 takeaways
The Washington Huskies played Oregon State Beavers tough on the road. Unfortunately, UW suffered a heartbreaking loss.
Oregon State beat the Washington Huskies with a field goal with no time left on the clock. The Beavers had first down and goal-to-go around the one-minute mark left in the game. The Huskies looked like they were willing to give the Beavers a touchdown, but Oregon State’s quarterback instead kneeled three times.
This allowed the ball to be placed in the right spot for kicker Everett Hayes to win the game. OSU players and students were excited about the first win against the Huskies in a decade. They came into the game on a nine-game losing streak.
The Beavers are now 2-0 in the Pac-12 North. After Stanford upset Oregon 31-24 in overtime, Oregon State moved into first place in the division. Meanwhile, the Washington Huskies are 1-1 (tied for third in the Pac-12 North) and 2-3 on the year. Needless to say, this season has not gotten off to the start that many expected.
The Pivotal Play
The key play of the game came with 3:35 left in the fourth quarter. On fourth and one, from their own 46, the Washington Huskies decided to go for the first down. Quarterback Dylan Morris ran a quarterback keeper and came up short, essentially ending the game.
All the Beavers had to do was keep the ball without turning it back over to UW. Oregon State did just that with perfection. It was an absolute crushing way to lose.
You can be sure the Huskies will be working on execution, especially late in the game at this week’s practice. There are times when everyone knows the play, but the team needs to execute consistently. Sometimes it’s just simply who wants it more.
Defensive Play and Sean McGrew Offense
To start the fourth quarter, Oregon State led 17-10 and had possession. The Huskies’ defense stopped them, forcing the OSU to punt. Kamari Pleasant made a key catch and, with a second effort, got the first down. Sean McGrew went under center in wildcat formation to run for 19-yards and a 39-yard touchdown.
After tying the score at 17-17, the Husky defensive line caused and picked up a fumble. McGrew scored his second touchdown on the day to put the Huskies ahead 24-17. The fifth-year senior ended the day with 16 carries for 104 yards, and he was the biggest part of Washington’s 176 total rushing yards.
Lack of a Passing Game
The passing game was non-existent for both teams on the night. Washington had success throwing the ball on their opening drive. Morris threw to Terrell Bynum twice. The first pass was for a 15-yard completion, while the second went for a 44-yard touchdown. The rest of the game, he was neutralized, only making three other catches for two yards.
In the second half, Morris only threw the ball nine times, completing completed six-of-nine for 38-yards. Oregon State quarterback Chance Nolan threw the ball only 15 times all game, completing seven, for 48-yards with an interception and no touchdowns. Morris finished 17 of 26 for 142 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioUxUGryS9o
Next up, the Huskies come home to take on the UCLA Bruins on October 16. Go Dawgs!