There’s something powerful in overcoming a bout with adversity and leaving victorious. Look no further than Washington, which trailed Maryland 20-0 late in the third quarter and surged from behind to capture a 24-20 win on the road. It’s worth wondering how the victory will impact the Huskies.
Cliches in sports are typical, especially in press conferences, but quarterback Demond Williams explaining the team’s “one play at a time” mindset felt more like a revelation than a rehearsed statement.
The 4-1 (1-1 Big Ten) Huskies played their most impressive ball of the season when rising from their DMV-based grave on Saturday. For the first time since blowing out cupcake UC Davis, things didn’t feel overcomplicated and overthought. Those two words describe Washington’s miscues last weekend against Ohio State, particularly the fake field goal that was doomed from the beginning. If we’re being honest, rallying against the Buckeyes was unrealistic. That team is just too polished and too good. Maryland, however, is not, and that’s why Washington’s 20-point deficit was so stunning and disappointing.
But it gave the Dawgs clarity. On offense, they needed to score points. On defense, they needed to get stops. Failure to do so would result in defeat. You can say that about any team ahead of a game, but it is much more critical when trailing late in a game.
“Just having our backs against the wall, and knowing that if we didn’t do what we had to do, then we knew the game was over,” Williams said via ESPN.” Just going out there with that mindset — take it one play at a time. Don’t try to force ourselves back into the game, and I felt like the game just came to us.”
In case you missed the game, Washington’s offense was pedestrian in the first half, and Williams was having his worst game as a Husky. Then the Huskies scored their first points of the game when Grady Gross netted a 36-yard field goal. After UW’s defense forced a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, Williams and Co. retook the field and went 74 yards in nine plays. The drive ended with a three-yard touchdown from Williams to Denzel Boston.
Then another three-and-out.
Then another Husky touchdown.
This time, in just four plays, ending in another Williams touchdown pass, connecting with Dezmen Roebuck for a 34-yard score.
Maryland’s next drive lasted six plays, and again, Washington capitalized with a touchdown as Jonah Coleman provided the first lead of the game from one yard out after an 80-yard drive in 11 plays.
The score would, of course, end up being the game-winner, as Washington’s defense prevailed yet again and slammed the door.
Ultimately, Washington’s staff allowed its players to make plays. There were no pitch counts, no playing it safe, no overcomplicating things. In response, the Huskies showed just how electric they can be on both sides of the ball.
Keeping these Dawgs on a leash is no longer an option. So let it rip, one play at a time.