‘Should Start Next Game,’ ‘3 INTs are a Problem’: CFB Fans React as Elijah Brown’s Breakout Washington Win Creates Demond Williams Jr. Competition

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With Demond Williams Jr. out with an injury, the Huskies turned to their backup quarterback, and he did not disappoint. Washington beat Purdue 38-26 to snap a three-game losing streak, and Elijah Brown spearheaded the charge.

Brown went 21 of 27 for 302 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions, one on the first snap of the game. That matches Williams’ season total in six starts as the Huskies’ starter, but Brown still led Washington to its first Big Ten win of the season.

Brown’s performance drew strong reaction from writers, a former Husky and fans alike.

Writers and Fans React to Elijah Brown’s First Washington Start

Seattle Times columnist Mike Vorel tipped his hat. “Even despite three interceptions and five total turnovers, UW’s offense looked so much more functional with Elijah Brown at QB. Good win,” he wrote.

One fan focused on the details. “The Huskies offense looked good despite the turnovers. We finally saw slants completed and the balance of passing with running. Elijah Brown should start next game and it was encouraging seeing Demond Williams Jr. supporting his teammates on sideline,” he wrote.

Then came the math from the WestCoastCFB account. “Washington has essentially played 6 quarters with Elijah Brown at QB and have scored 59 points. That’s roughly 10 points per quarter and 40 points per game.”

Another fan, Mic Flont, acknowledged Brown’s three interceptions but pointed out that Washington’s offense looked transformed with Brown in the mix.

“Yes, the 3 INTs are a problem. You can’t turn the ball over like that against the better teams left on this schedule,” he wrote.

“But everything else? Brown looked decisive, confident and in command. He pushed the ball downfield, got the playmakers involved and helped produce the most balanced UW offense we’ve seen all season,” he added. His bottom line was blunt. “For me, Elijah Brown is QB1 going forward.”

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Sports Illustrated college football writer Bryan Fischer took a playful shot. “Elijah Brown doing a great job to have Washington fans appreciate Demond Williams Jr.,” he wrote.

Former Husky Jordan Reffett made the case for Brown to start days before kickoff. On Oct. 13, he wrote, “Elijah Brown should be the starter at Purdue this week. This is a critical inflection point of the Jedd Fisch era.”

He also described what could follow. “If EB7 struggles, then you have a real QB competition. Demond could possibly really benefit from watching from the sidelines and it could light a fire in his belly,” he wrote.

Looking Ahead for Washington After Elijah Brown’s First Start

The timing helps Washington. The Huskies have their first Big Ten win and a quarterback whose upside showed through the mistakes. Purdue, now 3-4, must win three of its last five to become bowl eligible.

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Brown still has to clean up the turnovers, and Williams, who had started 20 straight games before the injury, remains part of the picture. After a three-game skid, head coach Jedd Fisch now has a real quarterback debate on his hands.

Washington has a bye next week, giving Williams extra time to recover before the Huskies visit Nebraska on Oct. 31.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

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