Final | Colorado 20, Huskies 17
Noon | Folsom Field | Boulder, Colorado
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Instant analysis: Three impressions from UW’s frustrating 20-17 loss at Colorado
The Huskies have put together their share of stinkers this season. And while it’s not the worst loss of the year, their 20-17 loss at Folsom Field very well may be the most frustrating of a season that has epitomized the very word.
From the Huskies’ fumbled snap at the goal line on their opening drive, it was clear this would be one of those games that leaves Husky fans with ground down molars and chewed fingernails.
Here are three impressions from yet another tough game for the Huskies.
Repeated offensive implosions negate an impressive defensive performance in UW’s 20-17 loss to Colorado
BOULDER, Colo. — First, Ralphie ran.
Jack Lamb followed, football in hand.
On Saturday, at 12:06 p.m., Ralphie VI — Colorado’s latest live buffalo mascot, an 18-month-old, 500-pound female — made her traditional trot around Folsom Field, bounding between four black-hatted trainers before pulling a hard right at midfield and retreating back into the end zone.
Twenty-six minutes later, Lamb — a 220-pound linebacker — produced a similar sprint.
Trailing 3-0 with 2:51 left in the first quarter, UW quarterback Dylan Morris attempted to take a snap from center Luke Wattenberg on first-and-goal from the 3. Instead, the ball fell fatefully to the turf and was booted backwards, before Lamb retrieved it and took off at the 12-yard line.
He bolted untouched into the end zone 88 yards later.
That fumble was the first of repeated Washington offensive implosions.
Which is how the Huskies out-gained Colorado 426-183 … in a 20-17 loss.
Final: Colorado 20, Huskies 17
FINAL
— Seattle Times Sports (@SeaTimesSports) November 20, 2021
Colorado 2️⃣0️⃣
Huskies 1️⃣7️⃣https://t.co/EMJzEb6mBR
UW turns it over on downs in four plays
The drive: Four plays, 5 yards, 0:44.
The story: Dylan Morris completed his first pass and then threw three straight incompletions. That's the ballgame.
Time left: 1:16 in 4Q.
UW defense gives Huskies one last shot with 2 minutes left
The drive: Three plays, 7 yards, 0:30.
The story: UW's defense gives the Huskies a chance to tie or win this one with 2 minutes left. UW starts at its own 17.
Time left: 2:00 in 4Q.
Not over yet: UW strikes quickly for 55-yard touchdown
The scoring play: Dylan Morris hits WR Ja'Lynn Polk for a 55-yard touchdown to bring this one back within 3 points.
The drive: Five plays, 75 yards, 1:35.
The score: Colorado 20, Huskies 17.
The highlight:
Colorado scores late touchdown to extend lead to 20-10
The scoring play: Brendon Lewis kept it to rush for a 2-yard touchdown to the right.
The drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:23.
The score: Colorado 20, Huskies 10.
The highlight:
Dylan Morris throws second interception
The drive: Nine plays, 47 yards, 4:07.
The story: It's comical at this point. UW is again driving just outside the red zone — and the Huskies again turn the ball over. This time, it's Dylan Morris' second interception, in the end zone for a Colorado touchback.
Next possession: Colorado starts at own 10 after penalty.
Time left: 10:28 in 4Q.
The highlight:
Without Cade Otton, Devin Culp has made a couple big-time catches today.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Colorado re-takes the lead on a FG
The scoring play: Cole Becker hits a 22-yard field goal.
The drive: Four plays, 3 yards, 1:50.
The story: UW's defense again holds, leaving Colorado to settle for a field goal despite great field position off the Huskies' fumble.
The score: Colorado 13, Huskies 10.
Third-quarter observations
To return to the theme: UW has outgained Colorado 299-104.
The game is tied at 10-10, and the Huskies are about to trail.
That’s thanks to a pair of lost fumbles, an interception, several disastrous sacks and a missed field goal.
In all, UW’s repeated offensive implosions are threatening to negate perhaps the Huskies’ best defensive effort of the season. Colorado is 0-8 on third down and has rushed for just 36 yards and 2.6 yards per carry.
Colorado recovers UW's bad snap at Huskies' 7-yard line
The drive: Two plays, minus-3 yards, 0:43.
The story: What else is there to say? On their second play of the drive, following a 2-yard pass, UW fumbled a bad snap and Colorado recovered at the Huskies' 7-yard line.
Next possession: Colorado starts at UW's 7.
Time left: 1:25 in 3Q.
UW defense keeping Huskies in this one, forcing another Colorado punt
The drive: Four plays, 3 yards, 1:47.
Next possession: UW starts at own 10.
Time left: 2:08 in 3Q.
Peyton Henry misses from 49 yards out
The drive: Nine plays, 34 yards, 4:39.
The story: Dylan Morris took an 8-yard sack on third-and-7 at the Colorado 23, forcing the Huskies to settle for a field goal ... and Peyton Henry missed from 49 yards out as a result.
Next possession: Colorado starts at 31.
Time left: 3:55 in 3Q.
UW continues to find new and innovative ways to avoid scoring.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
UW is outgaining Colorado 302-90.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
10-10.
Dylan Morris intercepted on tipped pass at Colorado 28
The drive: 12 plays, 39 yards, 4:58.
The story: UW's five-minute, 12-play drive to open the second half comes up empty on Dylan Morris' tipped interception, despite the Huskies driving close to the red zone.
Next possession: Colorado starts at own 28.
Time left: 10:02 in 2Q.
Holding penalty turns into a broken play-turned INT. Ouch.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Per a UW spokesperson, Zion Tupuola-Fetui is missing today's game due to injury, but it's unrelated to his Achilles tendon.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Halftime observations
UW has outgained Colorado, 214-87.
At halftime, the game is tied 10-10.
That’s thanks to an 88-yard fumble return touchdown by Colorado linebacker Jack Lamb. Otherwise, the Buffs have gone 0-6 on third down and rushed for just 30 yards and three yards per carry, with three consecutive three-and-outs.
On the other side, UW quarterback Dylan Morris has completed 18 of 25 passes and thrown for 183 yards and a touchdown – relying heavily on short passes to his wide receivers and running backs. Running back Cameron Davis has contributed 60 total yards as well.
In truth, UW is a fumble away from leading 17-3. The Huskies will receive the second-half kickoff in a tie game instead.
UW is out-gaining Colorado 171-59. This game is one fumble away from being 17-3 UW. Such is life.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Dylan Morris hits Rome Odunze for game-tying touchdown
The scoring play: Dylan Morris passes left to Rome Odunze, who jukes between two tacklers for an 8-yard touchdown to tie this one up.
The drive: Seven plays, 40 yards, 2:48.
The score: Huskies 10, Buffaloes 10.
Nice job by UW to take advantage of good field position there. Huskies also get the ball to start the second half.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
That's one of the more impressive one-yard catches you're going to see. Props to Jalen McMillan.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Three straight three-and-outs for Buffs
The drive: Three plays, 4 yards, 2:15.
The story: Make that three straight three-and-outs for Colorado.
Next possession: Huskies start at Colorado 40.
Time left: 4:59 in 2Q.
Nice first half for the UW defense. Three consecutive three-and-outs for Colorado.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
I believe that's Jeremiah Martin's first career sack, believe it or not. Been waiting a long time for it.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Another three-and-out for O'Brien
The drive: Three plays, 9 yards, 1:33.
The story: Another three-and-out for Patrick O'Brien.
Next possession: Colorado starts at 15.
Time left: 7:14 in 2Q.
Colorado goes three-and-out on second straight drive
The drive: Three plays, 6 yards, 1:16.
Next possession: UW starts at own 22.
Time left: 8:47 in 2Q.
Nice pressure by Cooper McDonald on that third down stop. UW outside linebackers beginning to get home. Back-to-back three-and-outs for Colorado.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
UW goes three-and-out in Patrick O'Brien's first drive at QB
The drive: Three plays, 0 yards, 1:37.
The story: Patrick O'Brien came in at quarterback for the first time this season ... and proceeded to go three-and-out without gaining a yard. He attempted two passes, completing one, and was sacked on third-and-9.
Next possession: Colorado starts at own 33 off 23-yard punt return.
Time left: 10:03 in 2Q.
Three-and-out.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
UW defense forces three-and-out
The drive: Three plays, 1 yard, 1:06.
The story: Huskies get a much-needed stop on Colorado's second possession.
Next possession: UW starts at own 33.
Time left: 11:40 in 2Q.
Scores aside, records aside, Trent McDuffie is going to get his.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Peyton Henry has been incredibly solid on kickoffs since taking those duties from the transferring Tim Horn. Makes you wonder why he wasn't doing it all along.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Huskies cut into Colorado's lead with FG
The scoring play: UW kicker Peyton Henry hits a 30-yard field goal to cut into Colorado's lead.
The drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 4:43.
The story: After a disastrous first possession, the Huskies were able to bounce back and put together another drive into the red zone. But they came up short, having to settle for a field goal from the Colorado 12.
The score: Colorado 10, Huskies 3.
First-quarter observations
It was a 97-yard swing.
Trailing 3-0 with 2:51 left in the first quarter on Saturday, UW quarterback Dylan Morris took a snap at the Colorado 3-yard line.
Come to think of it, he never TOOK the snap.
Instead, the delivery from center Luke Wattenberg was fumbled, kicked into the air and recovered by Colorado linebacker Jack Lamb, who sprinted untouched the other way for a 97-yard touchdown.
It was UW’s first time not scoring in the red zone this season, following 31 successful trips. The Huskies were the only team in the nation to enter the game having scored on 100% of their red zone trips.
So that’s how the Huskies finished the first quarter leading in total yards 90-48, while trailing 10-0.
Colorado recovers Dylan Morris fumble, returns 88 yards for a TD
The scoring play: Dylan Morris fumbled on a keeper at the Colorado 3 ... and the Buffalos' Jack Lamb returned it 88 yards for a touchdown. Brutal.
The drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 7:15.
The score: Colorado 10, Huskies 0
The highlight:
And that's UW's first time not scoring in the red zone this season.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Season in a nutshell? Season in a nutshell.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Junior Adams called the perfect play there, going to the opposite side of the free blitz.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
High school teammates Cam Davis and Taj Davis (no relation) with a couple nice third down conversions on this drive.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
What a catch by Cam Davis. He has shown some things the last few weeks. Looks like he's getting comfortable.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Ja'Lynn Polk is in the game after being injured on the first play of the season. Good for him!
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Dylan Morris is UW's starting quarterback.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Cameron Davis gets a second consecutive start at running back.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Bralen Trice and Cooper McDonald get the start at outside linebacker. Not sure if ZTF is here.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
Ralphie ran
Look at this majestic animal pic.twitter.com/azdDtaCvKW
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
No signs of RB Sean McGrew or DL Faatui Tuitele
I also don't see UW running back Sean McGrew or defensive lineman Faatui Tuitele, both of whom missed the Arizona State game.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
No sign of WR Terrell Bynum
Don't see UW wide receiver Terrell Bynum out here either, after he missed the Arizona State game.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
QB Dylan Morris working ahead of Patrick O'Brien in warmups
UW QB Dylan Morris is taking snaps from starting center Luke Wattenberg, with Patrick O'Brien working with backup Corey Luciano. Interesting.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
No sign of TE Cade Otton in early warmups
No sign of UW tight end Cade Otton in early warmups, after he left last weekend's game on crutches.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) November 20, 2021
What to watch for when Washington hits the road to take on Colorado, plus Mike Vorel’s prediction
Stuffing the run
Here we go again. UW surrendered 286 rushing yards, five yards per carry in last weekend’s 35-30 loss to Arizona State. To date, the Huskies rank 10th in the Pac-12 in opponent yards per carry (4.86) and 11th in rushing defense (204.8 yards allowed per game). UW is 1-5 this season when it allows more than 200 rushing yards. On the other side, the Colorado running game has struggled to get going, but 185-pound sophomore Jarek Broussard remains a formidable force. In UW’s loss at Colorado in 2019, the Buffs bullied the Huskies to the tune of 207 rushing yards and five yards per carry. If Carson Bruener, Jackson Sirmon, Tuli Letuligasenoa, Sam “Taki” Taimani and Co. can limit the Colorado running game, UW should put itself in position to earn a third consecutive road win in Pac-12 play.
Read about more keys to the game.
Despite staff changes and mounting distractions, UW interim coach Bob Gregory is determined to attack the apathy
“Hello everybody,” Bob Gregory said, facing a ragtag crew of assembled reporters.
One second passed. Two seconds passed.
“Hello everybody,” Gregory repeated Tuesday, piercing the sleepy silence.
“Hello, Bob! Good morning, Bob!” responded the previously apathetic media masses.
“There we go!” interjected the 58-year-old assistant, entering his second week as the Huskies’ interim head coach. “A little energy right here. I like it.”
Maybe that makes Gregory the right man for a difficult moment.
Because, considering the circumstances — a 4-6 record, a two-game losing streak, a fired head coach and offensive coordinator — it would be easy for Washington to surrender the season, to sink into the distraction of a coaching search. It would be easy to sleepwalk through Saturday’s noon game at 3-7 Colorado. To wave a white flag. To float with the current.
It’s Gregory’s job to attack the apathy.
2021 has been a season of discord, dysfunction and dismay for many Washington state football fans
It was a football season that dawned with immense promise for the three major teams in the state of Washington.
The Seahawks had won 12 games and a division title in 2020, and seemed to have worked through the discontent of quarterback Russell Wilson that flared up after the Super Bowl and lingered through the spring. With a defense that had found its footing in the second half of last season, Seattle’s goal was to get beyond the first-round playoff ousters of its recent past.
The Washington Huskies had similar lofty expectations, boldly stated by their second-year coach, Jimmy Lake. They aimed to compete for the Pac-12 title and be a force nationally. And judging by all the talent that had been amassed on Montlake, and a No. 20 ranking in the preseason AP poll, it did not seem unrealistic.
Elise Woodward steps up to challenge as temporary UW football play-by-play announcer
Elise Woodward had done just about everything in her long sports broadcasting career, but she had never been a football play-by-play announcer.
The former UW women’s basketball captain can now check that off too.
That’s because Woodward briefly stepped away from her gig as UW sideline reporter for radio — a job she has had almost 20 years — to fill in last Saturday and this Saturday for UW radio play-by-play broadcaster Tony Castricone, whose wife recently gave birth to their son.
“It was the first time I had ever done radio play-by-play and the first time I had done football play-by-play,” said Woodward, the longtime Storm color analyst who does play-by-play announcing for basketball and other nonfootball sports for Pac-12 Networks. “This was one of the biggest challenges of my career.”
Without a head coach, what’s keeping UW football’s 2022 recruits committed?
The coach is gone.
But the recruits are still coming.
In the wake of Washington’s firing of second-year head coach Jimmy Lake on Sunday, the Huskies maintain 10 2022 commits — a group ranked seventh in the Pac-12 and 53rd nationally by the 247Sports Composite. (Their average recruit ranking, .8799, sits 24th in the nation and fourth in the Pac-12 — behind Oregon’s 90.59, USC’s 90.35 and UCLA’s 88.42).
The class has also lost four commits in the last calendar year — defensive tackles Ben Roberts and Sir Mells (currently committed to Oregon), outside linebacker/tight end Anthony Jones (currently committed to Texas), and offensive lineman Mark Nabou (uncommitted).
So, considering the program’s 4-6 record and fluctuating coaching staff, what’s keeping UW’s remaining recruits committed?
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