Washington Huskies lose Apple Cup 40-13 – 4 takeaways
The Washington Huskies’ seven-game Apple Cup winning streak is over. Here are our top four takeaways from UW’s 40-13 loss.
The Washington Huskies‘ 2021 season has mercifully come to its end. Herb Nightengale is here to give us his thoughts on the Apple Cup from Hell for Dawgs fans.
Unprepared
This game was reminiscent of the Huskies season opener against Montana. The difference in the score resulted from WSU being a much better team. Washington didn’t look ready to play on either side of the ball. In a rivalry game, you would expect a better effort by the Huskies, if for nothing else, pride.
New face, same results
Sam Huard is the future. Making his first college start, Huard showed glimpses of what he might be in the future, but he was overmatched by a hungry defense in this one. Why not stick with incumbent Dylan Morris or go with Patrick O’Brien in his last ever college football game?
A coach’s job is to put players in positions where they succeed. Bob Gregory didn’t do Huard any favors by starting the true freshman behind a suspect offensive line, and the results bore that out. He completed 17 of 31 attempts for 190 yards, one touchdown, four interceptions, and a pair of sacks. If not for an Odell Beckham-like touchdown catch by Rome Odunze his numbers wouldn’t have been that good.
Of UW’s 200 net yards, just 10 came on the ground (yards lost due to sacks count against rushing yards). With the run game shut down, Washington State could focus on defending the pass.
Defense couldn’t pick up the slack
Washington State scored early and often. The injury-riddled Washington Huskies defense did a good job all season long but didn’t show up for this game.
Max Borghi, the Cougars’ number one running back, had 22 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Borghi would have had more yards and a third touchdown but a holding penalty negated his brilliant scoring run in the second quarter. WSU quarterback Jayden de Laura had a great night completing 27 of 32 passes for 245 yards.
Lame Duck Coaches
The Huskies coaching staff has been in a tough situation since Head Coach Jimmy Lake was fired. Washington Athletic Director Jen Cohen made it clear she will conduct a national search for the next head coach. The current staff knows they likely won’t return next season. So it looks like any “Win one for the Gipper” speeches fell on deaf ears.
This disappointing season is over and done, the Huskies can move on to better things. Next, we wait to see who the new head coach will be and which players come in, to revitalize the program. Thank you, seniors, for your dedication. Good luck with your future pursuits. Go Dawgs!