Washington survives Apple Cup scare as Demond Williams delivers when it matters
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Washington survives Apple Cup scare as Demond Williams delivers when it matters originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Washington’s season opener was filled with the kinds of mistakes that could eventually cost it a Big Ten game. The Huskies committed 12 penalties, struggled to finish drives and allowed Washington State to remain within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter.
When the Apple Cup threatened to turn into a disaster, however, Demond Williams Jr. took control. Williams directed two rapid fourth-quarter touchdown drives and helped No. 17 Washington pull away for a 24-10 victory over Washington State at Husky Stadium on Sunday.
The final margin looked relatively comfortable. The path to it was anything but smooth.
Washington carried a 10-0 lead into the fourth quarter but had failed to put away a Washington State team breaking in a new coach and quarterback. Caden Pinnick’s 11-yard touchdown run cut the lead to 10-7 with 10:15 remaining, bringing the Cougars and their traveling supporters back to life.
Washington needed an immediate answer.
Williams provided one.
The Huskies traveled 75 yards in only four plays, with Williams finding Rashid Williams for a 1-yard touchdown. After Washington State responded with a field goal, Washington drove another 68 yards in just over two minutes. Jayden Limar’s 11-yard touchdown run finally secured the rivalry win.
Washington was far from perfect. Its quarterback was at his best when perfection was no longer necessary and production became essential.
Demond Williams covers up Washington’s biggest problems
Williams completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. He also led Washington with 61 rushing yards and scored on a 5-yard keeper during the second quarter.
Chris Lawson finished with four receptions for 87 yards, while Rashid Williams provided two of the game’s most important plays.
After Washington State pulled within three, Demond Williams escaped pressure and found Chris Lawson for a 29-yard gain. On the next snap, Washington used a flea-flicker to connect with Rashid Williams for a 44-yard gain down to the 1-yard line.
The quarterback found Rashid Williams for the touchdown on the following play. That quick response was the clearest sign Washington could take from an otherwise uneven afternoon. The Huskies gained 402 total yards, but penalties and inconsistency prevented them from controlling the scoreboard.
Washington was penalized 12 times for 130 yards. It converted only four of 12 third-down attempts and came away with points on four of six trips inside the red zone.
Those numbers will not satisfy coach Jedd Fisch. Neither will a scoreless third quarter that allowed Washington State to believe an upset remained possible. The Huskies still possessed the best player on the field, and Williams proved capable of creating answers when the original plan stopped working.
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Washington’s defense provides the winning difference
While the offense struggled to build separation, Washington’s defense kept the game under control.
Jeron Jones intercepted Pinnick during the second quarter, setting up Williams’ 5-yard touchdown run. Isaiah Ward recovered a fumble on Washington State’s next possession, and Alex McLaughlin added an interception late in the fourth quarter. Washington forced three turnovers, recorded three sacks and limited the Cougars to 242 total yards. Washington State failed on all 11 of its third-down attempts.
Pinnick showed some encouraging flashes in his first start for Washington State. He rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown, but he completed only 16 of 25 passes for 142 yards with two interceptions. The Cougars also missed two field goals, including a 52-yard attempt on their opening possession and a 32-yard kick during the third quarter. Either one could have dramatically increased the pressure on Washington.
Instead, the Huskies extended their winning streak in the rivalry and kept the Apple Cup trophy after also beating Washington State 59-24 last season.
Washington has plenty to correct before the competition becomes more demanding. The penalty total was alarming, the running backs struggled to consistently create space and the offense relied too heavily on Williams to escape trouble.
But rivalry games do not require style points.
Washington needed its star quarterback to take over when a 10-point lead shrank to three. Williams answered with consecutive touchdown drives, and the Huskies walked away with the only result that mattered.
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