On a night where the Seattle Mariners advanced to the ALCS for the first time since 2001, it was Demond Williams who had the most jaw-dropping performance, helping Washington topple Rutgers 38-19 for a Homecoming Game victory.
The Husky quarterback making plays comes as little surprise by now, but lost in the chaotic Friday evening win was a stat line that saw him throw for 402 yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-27 attempts, and rush for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 13 attempts. Perhaps even more impressive is that these numbers came after a first quarter that saw Washington trailing 10-0.
Last weekend’s slow start against Maryland was a frustrating one for the Dawgs, so it’s safe to assume that a point of emphasis leading up to Rutgers was getting off to a quick start. Then Rutgers opened the game with a 4-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. So much for that.
Heading into Friday’s bout, it felt like the Huskies were be in for an odd one. There was always the chance that UW would come out flat if its home crowd were lighter than usual due to the Mariners and Tigers squaring off miles away. Eventually, the Huskies were able to adapt. They trailed just 13-10 going into halftime after a Williams touchdown pass to Denzel Boston and a Grady Gross field goal in the second quarter.
Like last week, the Huskies erupted in the second half, doing most of their damage in the third quarter this time, rather than the fourth. In the span of seven offensive plays, the Huskies scored 13 unanswered points to go up 24-13 with 10:06 left in the third.
The Huskies aren’t without flaws, and the last two slow starts have seemed avoidable, but the focus and perseverance deserve a level of credit that’s hard to give when keying in on the mistakes that happened before the rally.
After Rutgers scored on a 48-yard pass play by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and running back Antwan Raymond, Washington’s defense didn’t allow another point. Offensively, the Huskies continued to put pressure on Rutgers via the legs of Williams, who rushed for an 11-yard score in the third quarter and a seven-yard score in the fourth.
While Williams was the star of the show, he was far from the only standout performer. True freshman Dezmen Roebuck has been a weapon this season, and Friday marked his best performance, catching four passes for 108 yards. Meanwhile, Boston caught both of Williams’ touchdown passes and continued to show why he’s regarded as one of the best receivers in the Big Ten.
Despite the slow starts, Washington will wake up tomorrow 5-1 (2-1 Big Ten). Time will tell how Saturday’s slate plays out, but next weekend’s feature opportunities for stock in the Huskies to skyrocket. Next Saturday, Washington travels to No. 15 Michigan for a 9 a.m. Pacific clash on Fox. Then the Huskies host No. 17 Illinois.
From there, Washington travels to Wisconsin, hosts Purdue, travels to UCLA, and hosts No. 3 Oregon.
Sure, an upset victory over Ohio State would’ve been impressive. But hard to ask for a better situation to be in if you’re Washington, especially after last season’s woes against Big Ten teams.