When the Huskies traveled to Maryland, they wanted to end their East Coast woes. UW was 0-3 last year playing in the Eastern Time Zone. They decided to head east two days before their game with the Terrapins, hoping to get ahead of the time change. Jedd Fisch believed his team’s experience playing three games in the Eastern Time Zone last year would be an advantage heading into this week’s game. On Saturday, the Huskies fought through the challenges of playing a game in a different time zone.
The Huskies started slow against Maryland
The Huskies did not get the start they wanted against the Terrapins. QB Demond Williams threw his first interception of the season on UW’s first drive. Williams had a miscommunication with receiver Denzel Boston, which led to the interception by Maryland DB Jalen Huskey. The Terrapins took advantage of the Huskies’ turnover, as they kicked a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. The Huskies were unable to move the ball on their next possession and were forced to punt after five plays. Maryland then went on a 16-play, 71-yard drive that ended with a 4-yard touchdown run by Malik Washington to finish the first quarter with a 10-0 lead.
UW’s struggles on third down continue in the first half
After going 1-11 against Ohio State on third down, the Huskies were looking to improve their third-down efficiency against the Terrapins. Early in the game, the Husky offense incurred multiple penalties and found itself behind the chains. The Huskies had an average third-down distance of eight yards per third down in the first half. When the half ended, UW was held scoreless, as they struggled to move the ball down the field. They went just one of six on third downs in the first half.
The Huskies’ Defense hangs tough while the offense struggles
While UW’s offense struggled in the first half, the defense kept them in the game. After the Terrapins picked off Williams, the Huskies’ defense forced Maryland to settle for a field goal. They gave up just one touchdown in the first half, even though Maryland had the ball in Husky territory four times. The Huskies’ defense was effective at bending, but not breaking, as they forced the Terrapins to settle for three field goal attempts (of which they converted two). Makell Esteen also came up with a big interception late in the first half. At halftime, the Huskies were fortunate to be down just 13-0.
UW woke up in the second half
After giving up a touchdown on their first defensive possession of the second half, the Huskies buckled down. Down 20-0, the Husky offense responded with a 16-play, 55-yard drive, which finished with a 36-yard field goal by Grady Gross. The Huskies’ defense came up with a big three-and-out, giving the ball back to their offense. Demond Williams and UW’s offense then went up-tempo for a nine-play, 74-yard touchdown drive. Williams connected with Denzel Boston for the score to cut the Maryland lead to 20-10.
The Huskies continue to rally in the fourth quarter
UW’s defense forced another three-and-out on Maryland’s next possession. The Husky offense stayed hot behind more great play from Demond Williams, as he led them on another touchdown drive. Williams completed two passes for first downs, then ran 20 yards for another, before hitting Dezmen Roebuck for a 34-yard touchdown pass. Within minutes, the Huskies were right back in the game, down just three with 11:32 remaining in the game.
UW completes the comeback
After cutting Maryland’s lead to 20-17, the Huskies’ defense forced another punt. The offense then went on an 11-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, finishing with a balanced attack. RB Jonah Coleman punctuated the drive, running in for the eventual game-winning touchdown from one yard out. Maryland’s offense had the ball with just over three minutes left in the game. They moved the ball into Husky territory with just under two minutes remaining in the game. The Huskies’ defense caught a break, as Maryland’s Jalil Farooq dropped a potential first-down catch on third down. Maryland’s QB Malik Washington threw his next pass incomplete, and UW took over on downs. After taking over on downs, the Huskies ran out the clock to win 24-20.
The numbers behind the Huskies’ 20-point comeback win
UW’s defense was the story in this game, as they kept Maryland scoreless on four consecutive second-half drives. The defense also forced two critical three-and-outs, which allowed the Huskies’ offense enough time to mount a comeback. UW’s offense was four for five on third down in the second half, before kneeling on its last possession. They also scored touchdowns in the red zone on two of their three red zone trips. Demond Williams overcame a rough first half, where he threw an interception and was one of six on third down. He finished 28/41 passing, threw for 275 yards, two TDs, had one INT, and 54 yards rushing, as he led the Huskies to a come-from-behind win.
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