Washington Huskies finally win big: 4 takeaways from 52-3 win over A-State
The Washington Huskies finally picked up their first victory of 2021. Here are four takeaways from the 52-3 win over Arkansas State.
It took the Washington Huskies three games to play the way fans thought they would. UW scored on their first four possessions of the half. The defense shut down Arkansas State to take a 28-0 lead at half-time. The second half wasn’t much better for A-State as the final score ended up 52-3.
1 – The rushing attack returned
The Washington Huskies finally had their top three running backs, along with Cameron Davis contributing. Gaining 200-yards plus on the ground, the Huskies resembled last year’s team. Leading the attack was Richard Newton with 52 yards on ten carries and a touchdown. Kamari Pleasant was next with eight carries for 48 yards. Sean McGrew had six carries for 31 yards with two touchdowns, one in each half. Finally, Davis had 27 yards on seven carries. Having a running attack like this moving forward will really help.
2 – The passing game arrived
The Huskies haven’t had much of a passing game in the first two weeks due to injuries and poor offensive line play. Also, quarterback Dylan Morris didn’t have his best passing performances either. In this game, Morris had time in the pocket to pass. He threw 39 passes while completing 23, for 367 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. One of the interceptions led to an Arkansas State field goal and their only score of the game.
Expected to be the UW’s number one receiver, Terrell Bynum caught Morris’ final touchdown for 42-yards. The Huskies’ go-to receiver on the day was redshirt freshman Jalen McMillan. He made an impressive debut with 10 catches for 175-yards and a touchdown. Seven catches and 152 of his yards came in the first half.
Among the tight ends, Cade Otton scored the first touchdown of the game. Morris should have had a fourth touchdown early in the third quarter, but TE Devin Culp couldn’t hold onto the ball in the end zone.
3 – Huskies backup quarterbacks
Heralded freshman Sam Huard made his debut with 12:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. He marched the team down the field for a field goal. Huard threw five passes, completing a pair for 31 yards.
Patrick O’Brien, the graduate student transfer from Colorado State, came in for the Huskies’ last possession of the game. O’Brien didn’t throw the ball once but did have a 13-yard run.
4 – Huskies defense played an outstanding game
Sometimes it’s hard to know how good the defense plays when the score is so lopsided. Since Jimmy Lake came to town, either as the defensive coordinator or head coach, teams who pass first have a hard time being successful. Washington’s defense played solid while also getting turnovers for the first time this season.
Nickelback Brendan Radley-Hiles made the first 2021 pickoff. Unfortunately, the Huskies gave it right back to Arkansas State on the next play, leading to their only points. Late in the game, it became messy with a couple more turnovers. For example, outside linebacker Bralen Trice recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
Next week the Washington Huskies open the Pac-12 season. They face the 1-2 California Golden Bears at Husky Stadium. Go Dawgs!