Washington Huskies lose 20-17 at Colorado – 4 takeaways
It was another game the Washington Huskies should have won but ultimately gave away. Here are our top four takeaways for UW’s 20-17 loss at Colorado.
The Washington Huskies once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. In a game UW should have won handily, they found a way to give it away to a lesser team, 20-17. Turnovers, penalties, and poor execution were the biggest culprits. Dylan Morris had his best passing game of the season, and the defense held Colorado to only 183 yards.
This wasn’t just any loss; it was Washington’s seventh of 2021. They are officially intelligible for a bowl game. In a season that started with so much promise, this was a huge blow. These are our four biggest takeaways.
Mistakes are the villain
The Buffaloes scored first in the game, running the ball five times in ten plays. They were aided by a face mask penalty against UW cornerback Trent McDuffie, leading to a 35-yard field goal. It was one of 7 penalties for 70 yards. As they’ve done all season, the Huskies consistently hurt their own cause by taking bad penalties.
The Washington Huskies had two fumbles and two interceptions that helped the Colorado Buffaloes score 17 of their 20 points. After the CU’s opening score, the Huskies put together a nice drive, effectively mixing up the run and pass.
A lineman collided with quarterback Dylan Morris leading to a fumble recovery by Buffaloes Jack Lamb, who ran it back 88 yards for a touchdown putting Colorado up 10 to 0. It happened two plays after a holding call set Washington back 10 yards. As a matter of fact, the Buffs had more yards on the return than they did on offense through the third quarter.
Another scoring drive was derailed by a Morris pick at Colorado’s 36 yard line to open the second half. That was followed by a missed field goal, a fumble, and an interception the next three times UW had the ball. Adding to the litany of mistakes, Washington Huskies receivers continued their conference-leading problem of dropping balls.
Offense – A Lazarus experience or jump start?
The Washington Huskies’ offense, at least in the passing game, was the best all this season, except for the two interceptions. Dylan Morris threw the ball 52 times, completing 33 for 387 yards and two touchdowns. The Huskies running game was mostly nonexistent, only gaining 38 yards, led by Cameron Davis‘ 29 on 12 carries.
For most of the season, Washington’s offense has been dead. It’s only in these last two games has it had a little life to it. Athletic Director Jen Cohen needs to hire a Head Coach that understands offense or, at the very least, brings an offensive coordinator who can bring some spark.
The Huskies brought back a veteran offensive line for 2021, which has been terrible, to say the least. The next offensive line coach has plenty of work to do. For the most part, Morris hasn’t had much time to throw, and the running game hasn’t been nearly as productive as it was last year.
Defense steps up
Despite both injuries and the offense putting their back to the wall, Washington’s defense had a good season. Their strength is pass defense, holding Colorado to only 112 passing yards. The Buffs don’t have a good passing offense, but this is still a nice accomplishment.
In this game, the Huskies overcame their biggest weakness. Instead of giving up triple-digit yards, they gave up a scant 71. If the Huskies rushing defense was like this each week to go along with the pass defense, it would have been something.
Still have something to play for
Next Friday the Washington Huskies play their final game of the season in the Apple Cup against Washington State. The seniors have never lost to WSU. With the kind of season this one turned out to be and not eligible for a bowl game, it would be nice for these young men to win their final game in a Husky uniform. Go Dawgs!
What are your thoughts on the Washington Huskies loss at Colorado? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.