Washington Stays Relentless, Apple Cup Returns to Seattle

“We wanted the Apple Cup back in Seattle, that was the statement.” Those were the words of Washington head coach Jedd Fisch on the CBS broadcast following the Huskies’ 59-24 win over Washington State. The win was Fisch’s first on the road as the head coach in Seattle. It came in dominant fashion as the offense continued its relentlessness, scoring on every possession.

Apple Cup Returns to Seattle

Unstoppable Offense

Washington’s offense has been virtually unstoppable since the beginning of the second half against Colorado State in week one. It has scored on every offensive possession since then, sans end-of-game drive against the Rams. That’s 21-straight scoring drives for Fisch’s offense. 

After Washington opened the Apple Cup with three straight touchdown drives, the fourth ended with a field goal. That made it the first offensive drive not to end in a touchdown since the 12:11 mark of the 4th quarter against Colorado State. It was 13-straight touchdown drives prior to that (not including that end-of-game drive against Colorado State).

Relentless efficiency continues to be the best way to describe this group. Demond Williams Jr. accounted for 386 total yards with four passing touchdowns and one rushing score. Jonah Coleman rushed for two touchdowns and caught another. And Denzel Boston had two receiving touchdowns himself. Omari Evans also hauled in his first catch as a Husky. It went for 59 yards and the team’s eighth touchdown of the evening.

Turnovers in Bunches

But it wasn’t just the offense that contributed to the scoring. Turnovers aided in both field position and in the scoring column. Washington had held its opponents to an average of 8.5 yards to go on third down entering the Apple Cup. Forcing Washington State into passing situations on third down was an area where we saw turnover opportunities for the Huskies in this game. Less than 10 minutes into the game, that’s exactly what happened. 

The Washington defense forced a 3rd and six on the Cougars’ first drive of the game, and it took the ball away. Zach Durfee pressured the quarterback with a spin move. Zevi Eckhaus was hit as he threw the ball, and Deven Bryant got his hands on the pass, tipping it to Alex McLaughlin. He returned it 27 yards to set up Washington with excellent field position near midfield. That drive resulted in Williams’ rushing touchdown. 

Later in the game, McLaughlin had a second pick that would ultimately seal the game. It was another late-down turnover, this time coming on 4th and five. The Husky defensive line collapsed the pocket, forcing a jump-pass by Eckhaus. It sailed slightly high above the receiver and into the hands of a leaping McLaughlin, who took it 47 yards the other way for a touchdown. 

On the very next offensive play for the Cougars, Washington forced a third turnover. True freshman cornerback Dylan Robinson punched the football out of the scrambling Eckhaus, and Washington recovered. Four plays later, Coleman found the end zone on a 34-yard screen pass catch and run.

Cougars Match Pace Early

After its early-game turnover, Washington State seemed to settle into its game plan. With a talent deficit and a struggling run game, an aggressive game plan from head coach Jimmy Rogers was essential for the Cougars. It helped them match the Huskies’ pace up until the fourth quarter. Entering the second half, the Cougars had just three passes of 15-plus yards that totaled 61 yards. On its first two drives of the third quarter, it matched that number with three 15-plus yard throws. They totaled 85 yards, and they helped put together back-to-back 75-yard scoring drives to begin the half. In fact, if you look back to the early part of the second quarter, the Cougars were able to match the Huskies drive-for-drive into the fourth quarter. 

Rogers even tried to steal a possession after the Cougars’ opening touchdown drive in the third quarter. Washington State elected to try a surprise onside kick to change the momentum, but it backfired. The Huskies recovered and marched down a short field for a touchdown. 

The run game continued to struggle for Washington State. Running backs only had 14 carries in the game, and the quarterbacks had 13 themselves. The Cougars averaged a sack-adjusted 1.9 yards on the ground and totaled just 27 rushing yards. Instead, it was the pass game that kept the Cougars afloat until the fourth quarter. Eckhaus threw the football effectively in the first three quarters. He was 21 of 24 for 238 yards with two touchdowns and a pick prior to the fourth quarter.

Defensive Mistakes Continue

But the Husky defense continued to hurt a handful of defensive opportunities in this game. Washington State took advantage of this on its second drive. On 3rd and 12 inside their own territory, the Cougars got a free play due to an offsides penalty. Eckhaus threw it deep, and the pass drew defensive interference, giving Washington State the automatic first down.

A few plays later, the Husky defensive line missed a tackle for loss on second and four. Instead of forcing third and long, it resulted in a fresh set of downs for the Cougars. Just three plays later, Eckhaus found a wide-open Beau Baker for an easy touchdown. 

The Huskies again aided in a Cougar scoring drive to open the second half. A late hit on the quarterback added 15 yards to a nine-yard pass. It put the football on the edge of the Husky red zone, and Washington State finished the drive. Eckhaus threw his second touchdown of the evening, connecting with Devin Ellison. The mistakes didn’t end up hurting the outcome, but it allowed the Cougars’ aggressive game plan to keep its traction. Washington had four defensive penalties in the game. All four came on separate scoring drives for the Cougars.

Looking Ahead

Washington is back at home next week with the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in town. Not counting end-of-game possessions, the Huskies have scored on 21-straight offensive drives this season. All eyes turn towards what should be a high-powered contest on September 27th.