Demond Williams Jr. stars in Washington football win over Eastern
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Saturday night's 48-16 win over Eastern Washington came with plenty of pros and cons for the Washington Huskies, as every game does. However, the biggest area of improvement in the weeks prior was an increase in production against the Eagles, as Jedd Fisch's team put up 48 points over its in-state foes.
While a performance like that is expected against FCS competition, quarterback Demond Williams Jr. took advantage of the opportunity en route to a career night.
The second-year starter filled up the stat sheet, throwing for 373 yards and 4 touchdowns to go along with 33 yards rushing. Williams got his work done early in the contest, as all of his touchdown passes came in the first half, marking the first time a Husky quarterback has thrown four touchdowns in a half since Michael Penix Jr. against Michigan State in 2023. The quadfecta also tied the junior's career high in passing touchdowns, which he set in December in the LA Bowl against Boise State.
Once again, an outing like that is to be expected given the competition, but that doesn't negate the fact that Jedd Fisch's offense is starting to show some signs of confidence and rhythm. Before Saturday, Williams had just one passing touchdown on the season, which came against Washington State in Week One.
The veteran passer looked much more comfortable than he did in the two previous games, but not without the help of some emerging playmakers on the outside.
It was a night of firsts for the receiving corps, as sophomore Dezmen Roebuck led the bunch with 9 receptions for 121 yards, career-highs in both categories. Fellow second-year Chris Lawson got the scoring started on the Huskies' first possession, making for his first career touchdown. Veteran receiver Rashid Williams also had an impressive showing, collecting six receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half.
Freshmen Trez Davis and Jordan Clay continued to showcase their skill set in Fisch's scheme, each finding the end zone for the first time in their young careers. The big-bodied Clay hauled in an impressive back shoulder snag, while Davis' came on a late-game fly sweep to give the Huskies their final score of the game.
It wasn't just the receivers who helped their captain, as sophomore tight end Baron Naone caught two passes for a staggering 103 yards, highlighted by a 75-yard reception initially ruled a touchdown. However, he was ruled down at the 1-yard line following a replay review.
"First thing he said back to me was, 'I gotta get with (strength & conditioning coach Tyler Owens)'. He goes, 'I gotta get faster. I gotta get in the end zone,'" Fisch said after the game.
As Washington transitions into Big Ten play entering Week Four, Williams will have to continue to lean on his pass catchers regardless of their experience, or lack thereof. Fortunately, the receiver room has put plenty on tape to give the third-year quarterback confidence in the pocket. The Huskies' passing attack will have a week to prepare for their biggest test yet, as they prepare to take on a Minnesota secondary that has given up an average of just 143 passing yards per game.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Demond Williams Jr. stars in Washington football win over Eastern
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