UW lost a tough game vs Oregon where they were ahead, then lost, and had a BYE to get prep for us. First part of the game looked like a well-prepared BYE team vs a team that has had a physical, emotional stretch. UW had a good game plan, and we looked a little flat.
Offense
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Bam starting at RT was good to see, but Huntley’s not as mobile as normal. Paulo had an uncharacteristic whiff where the DE came unabated, but with adjustments, the Oline settled down into the slog and was solid.
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Huntley & Moss - we won’t forget these warriors for a looooong time.
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Bryan Thompson told me the WRs really wanted to erase the perception that they’re mediocre. The group wanted to demonstrate what they’re capable of. Mission Accomplished. Thompson, Dixon, Enis, Nacua, Simpkins. Big time receptions, many were pivotal.
- Nacua’s catch on Huntley’s tremendous throw on 3-12 for 28 yards.
- Solomon Enis using his hands, “his dad must be proud”
- Dixon 2 snags for 72 yards. Thompson 2 for 60. (That will help the YPC stat!)
- Simpkins led with 4 receptions. Thank you, Hallendale HS !
Defense
We adjusted to their game plan, clamped down on their run game, and then started applying pressure to Eason and making plays on the back end. Jaylon’s P6 was simply beautiful, at a crucial time. He knew the route, knew our pressure upfront would force the throw early, there was 3 feet of separation between him & the WR… that play made him money.
Upfront our guys stayed fresh & eventually Anae got to Eason when it mattered, but the number of QB hurries was more than I could count.
Blackmon & Burgess did an excellent job mixing coverages + led the D in tackles, which you would expect when they threw the ball 53 times. Against Utah, opposing QBs often have no idea who is playing FS, or where the mismatch is.
Blackmon made sure Eason will remember he was FS inside the 10, just what we needed on that drive. (Similarly, Blackmon ended the game on the onside.)
Bernard & Lloyd held down their part of the bargain.
There was one obvious blown coverage on one of their TDs, otherwise, we made played well on the back end.
Special Teams - Lennon & Redding are doing what we need them to do. Redding 2/2 was pivotal, even with Petersen trying to freeze the freshman.
Bottom Line:
- Petersen being undefeated out of BYE weeks? Over
- Utah getting the W in the game most thought would be our toughest? Check
Gut check win in the “Unfinished Business” campaign.
Win the game, get a BYE, I hope it’s nasty cold in 2 weeks vs UCLA.