Grading a game like this is a challenge because the Huskies essentially played two games – the first two-and-a-half quarters of ineptitude, and then the last quarter-and-a-half of competency. I tried my best to give a grade that encompassed the overall game performance. To the grades!
Passing Offense – 5/10
Quarterback – 5/10
Offensive line – 4.5/10
Receivers/tight ends – 7.5/10
For most of the game, Demond Williams was a large reason the Huskies were losing, by taking bad sacks and missing throws he hits regularly. Then all of a sudden the arm and legs of Williams came alive and the Huskies drove down the field for Grady Gross to hit a field goal, followed by three straight fourth quarter touchdown drives. Williams and the pass game drove the Huskies down the field, and he was much more decisive on his scrambles and not taking bad sacks. His 20 yard scramble late was Washington’s longest run of the day.
Receivers Denzel Boston and Dezmen Roebuck – who continues to establish himself as WR2 in this offense – each caught a touchdown and a crucial third down catch. Roebuck in particular looks like he’s got a big future on this team. On the pass protection front, it’s clear the offensive line has taken a big step forward from last year, even if there’s still plenty of room to grow. However, PFF notes 17 QB pressures for the Maryland defense, with LT Maximus McCree responsible for seven of them. Have to hope Carver Willis comes back soon.
Rushing Offense – 4/10
Running backs – 6/10
Offensive line – 4/10
Not the the best day for the run game, with running backs combining for 21 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line wasn’t creating big holes and Jonah Coleman couldn’t seem to find extra yardage, with a long run of six yards. He had to constantly work his way out of trouble at the line of scrimmage, with 38 of his 57 yards after contact. He did barrel into the end zone for a Washington’s go ahead rushing touchdown, but it was otherwise a game to forget for the run game.
Passing Defense – 5/10
Defensive backs – 6/10
Pass rush – 4/10
Credit to Maryland QB Malik Washington, who showed excellent poise keeping drives alive for the Terps. Despite averaging just 3.6 yards per play in the first half, Maryland was able to generate a 13-0 lead by converting 7-of-11 third downs, largely through Malik Washington’s arm. Washington adjusted and Maryland was just one-of-five in the second half, and only generated 52 yards on 19 plays after extending the lead to 20-0. Malik Washington took nearly 50 throws to reach 219 yards (4.5 YPA) with the Huskies largely limiting Maryland’s explosiveness. But, the Husky defense’s inability to get off the field on third downs in the first half was a big issue.
DeShawn Lynch played a good game batting down two passes, and he’ll continue to get time as Zach Durfee is out. While the secondary played solid, the pass rush is still lacking playmakers on the edge. Maryland and Malik Washington get the ball out quickly, but zero sacks and only nine total pressures (per PFF) is not good enough.
Rushing Defense – 8/10
Maryland was terrible running the ball coming into the game, and Washington did nothing to change that. They rushed for 2.8 yards per carry and a long of eight. Maryland had just 17 rush attempts from running backs and that Washington got four tackles for loss on such a low rushing total speaks to what kind of game it was for the Terps on the ground.
Special Teams – 7/10
The only real noteworthy occurrence on special teams was freshman pass rusher Devin Hyde’s running into the kicker penalty, which cost UW 5 yards. This was Maryland’s final punt with UW down 17-20. If it turned out to be roughing the kicker and an automatic first down, who knows if or when UW gets the ball back, and how this game turns out. Lucky break for the Huskies there.
Coaching – 4/10
I credit the coaching staff for keeping the team focused and not panicking, particularly after Maryland scored coming out of halftime to make it 20-0. However, the coaching staff cannot allow Washington to sleep walk through every road trip in this conference. It’s understandable that team will play worse on the road, but it seems really pronounced since this staff arrived on Montlake. It seems crazy giving such a low grade for a victory, but offense is Jedd Fisch’s speciality and that’s what couldn’t get off the ground for more than half the game. Washington has a great chance for a win and to feel good about itself on Friday night with Rutgers coming to town. Go Dawgs!