By Brandon Brown

After back-to-back terrible performances against Montana and Michigan, the Husky offense seemed to have finally found a spark as they put up 52-points against the Red Wolves on Saturday. It was the highest point output for Washington since a 52-20 win over Hawaii back in 2019.

Between their losses to the Grizzlies and Wolverines, the offensive output was just 17-points and 634 net yards. Throw in four turnovers and what looked like a lack of identity on that side of the ball, and the restlessness of the fanbase was well warranted. That made this matchup with Arkansas State so pivotal for the outlook on the remainder of the season.

Hot Start

One way to find your groove is to get going early and the Huskies did just that. On their opening drive, they only managed 4-yards and had to punt. The next four possessions, however, all produced touchdowns. Each one of the drives went for over 70-yards and had a nice mixture of the run and pass. Quarterback Dylan Morris, who has heard the frustration more than anyone on this team, finally looked comfortable and poised running the offense. Morris hit Cade Otton (13-yards) and Jalen McMillan (33-yard) for touchdowns after having only thrown for one touchdown in the previous two weeks. 

They did cool off before the half, having two of the next three drives ending in a turnover. Heading into the locker room with a 28-0 lead though was reason enough to celebrate the output this team had.

McMillan Shines 

If an MVP was to be awarded for the game, that honor would easily be given to Jaylen McMillan. The wideout burst onto the scene with 7 catches for 152-yards and 1 touchdown in the first half, Coming into today’s game McMillan had only one reception with the Purple & Gold. He finished the night with 10 receptions for 175-yards and coach Lake couldn’t have praised him anymore in the post-game presser. He spoke to the fact that he checks every box when it comes to being an elite wide receiver and believes he will be a big part of the offensive game plan going forward.  

McGrew in the Backfield

Where McMillan was the runaway MVP, another Husky also had himself quite the showing on the day. Sean McGrew did not have a carry-in Washington’s two losses and fans were begging for him to get touches. Their prayers were answered as he had six carries for 32-yards. Nothing that jumps off the board, but he did find the endzone twice in limited attempts. He surely will be another weapon that can be added to the rotation in the coming weeks. 

Still Sloppy 

With all of the positives coming from today’s game, one issue that still popped up was the turnovers. We mentioned the turnovers before halftime (interception, fumble), but the Red Wolves were able to bait Morris into throwing another INT in the second half as well. He has now thrown five through the first three games and that is a huge red flag. To his credit, he was self-aware about this problem and said he needs to be better at protecting the ball. Actions are louder than words though. 

In total, the offense has seven turnovers while the defense has only forced three. The negative differential there will not equal success in the conference schedule. 

Final Thoughts 

All-in-all this is a game that Dawgs needed to win and should have won. By no means is that discrediting the performance that was given, but perspective should always be kept when playing a lesser opponent. Everyone left it on the field today and sometimes you just need a game like this to gain your confidence back especially when conference play starts next week with Cal. 

Today’s game did show the talent that Washington has on their roster and just proves that the loss to Montana should not have happened. With efforts like this going forward it is hard to imagine that this team couldn’t compete in the remainder of games on the schedule. They cannot afford to show up to a game underestimating their opponents like they did in week 1, they also need to gun for a fast start from here on out.