Instant impressions from UW’s 30-9 win over Eastern Michigan

Here are three instant impressions from Washington’s 30-9 victory over Eastern Michigan on Saturday afternoon at Husky Stadium.

Another slow start for the offense before it erupts

A week after going scoreless in the first quarter against a middling FCS team (Weber State), the Husky offense was scoreless again in the opening quarter against a middle-of-the pack team from Mid-American Conference, including going three-and-out on its first possession.

Eastern Michigan outgained Washington 82-36 in yards in the first quarter and led 3-0 on a 57-yard field goal from Jesus Gomez.

Washington got on the scoreboard with a touchdown with 9:37 left in the second quarter, capitalizing after a gutsy decision to go for it on fourth-and-one at its 30.

The Husky offense looked like a different unit the rest of the half after converting that fourth down, showing explosiveness running and passing, but the slow starts can’t become a trend with the WSU Cougars up next and then a tough Big Ten slate.

Defense makes some big plays too

At one point in the second quarter, Eastern Michigan had rushed for 100 yards to Washington’s nine and the Eagles offensive line was holding up just fine in pass protection too.

But things started to change after the Huskies forced their first turnover of the season after a long run by Eastern Michigan quarterback Cole Snyder in the second quarter.

Two sacks of Snyder helped thwart drives in the second quarter as Eastern Michigan started having problems protecting its quarterback. That, combined with UW’s three touchdowns in the final 10 minutes of the second quarter gave the Huskies a 21-6 lead.

What seemed like it would be a very tight game at halftime became a rather comfortable lead, and UW fans could relax while watching bands from high schools around the area perform at halftime.

Another UW sack — the second of the game by Zach Durfee — on Eastern Michigan’s first drive of the second half helped set the tone for the final two quarters as the Huskies continued to get pressure on Snyder.

We still don’t know much about the Huskies

The Huskies did what they were heavily favored to do in the first two weeks of the season: handily defeating opponents that on paper seemed overmatched.

Anything less than two easy wins would have led to a lot of consternation among the UW fan base.

That the Huskies got through the first two games without having to sweat too much is to be commended, but because those two opponents were overmatched, it’s hard to gauge at how good this UW team is or how good it can become.

Those questions will soon start to be answered with much tougher foes, starting with Washington State next week.