Unbeaten Washington Huskies Dominate but Face Fourth Quarter Struggles in Close Win Against Arizona
The No.7 Washington Huskies continued their unbeaten streak as they faced off against the Arizona Wildcats in an intense matchup. While the Huskies came out on top with a 31-24 win, their performance in the fourth quarter raised some questions about their ability to close out games.
Throughout the season, the Huskies have displayed their dominance by defeating teams like Boise State, Tulsa, Michigan State, and Cal by an average of 32.8 points. Their strong performances have led some to believe that they might just be one of the best teams in the nation. In fact, the Huskies even received a first-place vote in this week’s AP Top 25 poll, marking the first time since 1997 that they had achieved this feat.
However, heading into the matchup against Arizona, the biggest unknown was how the Huskies would fare in a close game. While they never trailed and the game never seemed uncertain, it was still closer than expected. We didn’t play all the way to our standard, admitted quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. Head coach Kalen DeBoer described it as moments that we can learn from.
The Huskies have displayed their dominance throughout the season, with Penix leading the charge as a talented and potential Heisman Trophy candidate. Known for his remarkable throws and extraordinary vision, Penix has impressed both his team and NFL scouts. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb praises his vision, stating that Penix has the best vision of anyone I’ve been around.
However, against a formidable Arizona defense, Penix had to choose his spots carefully. Arizona’s defensive coordinator, Johnny Nansen, dropped seven players into coverage, seeking to limit Washington’s big-play potential. While Washington still managed to produce ten explosive plays, it was their lowest yardage output through the air this season.
Penix, though efficient as always, completed 30 of 40 passes but did not throw a touchdown pass. Despite this, he seemed surprised when informed about it after the game, highlighting the high standards he holds himself to.
The Huskies’ struggles emerged in the fourth quarter when they had multiple opportunities to secure the win. Leading 28-17, they had a chance to score a touchdown after reaching the Arizona five-yard line, but settled for a field goal due to sacks, an incomplete pass, a holding penalty, and a negative play. Three minutes later, a fumble on a fly sweep by Germie Bernard gave the Wildcats another chance to narrow the deficit. The Wildcats’ Tetairoa McMillan caught a touchdown pass with just over a minute left, bringing the score to 31-24. Ultimately, the Huskies had to recover an onside kick and secure a final first down to seal the victory.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, no stranger to winning championships, acknowledged that winning games is not easy, especially on the road. He knows that it takes time to develop a starving mindset and a killer instinct. While the Huskies can learn from their fourth-quarter struggles, they still emerged victorious, and with a bye week ahead, they are positioned exactly where they want to be at 5-0.
Looking ahead, the Huskies can put their skills to the test as they face off against the No. 9 Oregon Ducks on October 14th. This highly anticipated matchup will surely be a battle worth watching. While it may be too early to label Washington as a College Football Playoff contender, their performances thus far suggest that they certainly have what it takes to make a run.
