In its most impressive outing of the season, Washington (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) got back in the win column by hammering No. 23 Illinois at Husky Stadium.
Slow starts have ailed the Huskies since the start of Big Ten play, but Saturday was different. The Huskies were the team that sprung an early lead this time, outscoring Illinois 14-3 in the opening period. Both touchdowns were from thirteen yards out and scored by true freshman wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck, who received the passes from star quarterback Demond Williams.
The Huskies’ offense is significantly better when Roebuck is having a day, and the nation’s most underrated freshman did his part. Illinois netted a field goal after Roebuck’s first score of the afternoon, so UW’s lead was 14-3 after one.
The final score won’t show it, but there was reason to be concerned early. After UW’s commanding first quarter, Illinois outscored the Dawgs 14-7 in the second quarter. Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer refused to go away, throwing two scores of his own and eventually taking a 17-14 lead. It wouldn’t last, though.
The Huskies came to their senses during the final drive of the half, marching 75 yards in 11 plays. The trip downfield was capped off with a trick play, resulting in Denzel Boston throwing a 12-yard touchdown to Jonah Coleman.
The Huskies kicked the second half off with a 21-17 lead. If the opening half was a tale of starting fast, the third quarter told one of a suffocating defense. Illinois was forced to punt on its first drive, and the Huskies capitalized, going 90 yards in 11 plays to take a 28-17 lead. Washington’s Tacario Davis picked off Altmyer on Illinois’ second drive of the half.
The Huskies kept the ball for the remainder of the third and eventually capped off the drive in the fourth via another Williams touchdown pass, this time to Boston.
Illinois found the endzone for the first time since the second quarter on its ensuing drive. Not that it mattered. The Huskies responded with a touchdown drive of their own, with Williams finding tight end Decker DeGraaf for a score. Illinois’ final drive of the game resulted in an interception by Rayshawn Clark, the first of his career.
Williams finished with four touchdown passes, along with 280 yards on 26-of-33 attempts. He rushed for 66 yards on 10 carries. Meanwhile, Boston hauled in 10 catches for 153 yards and one touchdown, along with the passing touchdown. Coleman ran for 75 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
Opportunity awaits the Huskies, who have a legit chance to stack victories before a pivotal clash with arch-rival Oregon. The Huskies have a bye next weekend, then travel to Wisconsin, host Purdue, and battle UCLA in Pasadena, all before returning to Husky Stadium to dance with the Ducks.