Washington Lets Late Lead Slip Away in 25-21 Loss to USC
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Tight end Baron Naone (85) is greeted by lineman John Mills after scoring a first-quarter touchdown. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect [/caption]
Following a deflating loss at the hands of Minnesota, the Washington Huskies badly needed a win to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Also coming off a frustrating loss, USC looked to get back on track at home after Oregon beat the Trojans with backup quarterback Dylan Raiola.
The Coliseum played host to coach Jedd Fisch and the Huskies in 98-degree heat at kickoff in one of the hottest games in program history. That would be the only record set on the day, as Washington fell to West Coast rival USC 25-21, leaving the Huskies to lick their wounds on the flight back to Montlake.
Here is how Washington could not get out of its own way in Saturday’s contest:
Slow Start Gives Way to a Halftime Lead for UW
Washington won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff. After calls all week to utilize Demond Williams Jr.’s legs more, Fisch seemed to listen, calling a designed quarterback run to start the day that went for six yards.
After a one-yard run by true freshman Brian Bonner Jr., Williams airmailed a pass that would have secured a first down. That led to a three-and-out and another slow start, something that has become common under Jedd Fisch.
After gashing Washington’s defense on the ground, the Trojans found themselves at the 13-yard line with no signs of slowing down.
Defensive line leader Elinneus Davis had other plans, quickly shedding his block to tackle running back King Miller in the backfield for a loss. His tremendous play flipped the momentum of the drive and forced USC to settle for a field goal before putting the Huskies’ offense back on the field.
Washington failed to move the ball again, gaining just three yards before punting it away. The punt would be the most exciting part of the drive, as the USC returner muffed it, causing the ball to bounce toward the goal line, where it was initially ruled recovered by Washington.
Upon further review, the call was overturned, giving the Trojans the ball at their own one-yard line.
After a defensive stop, the Huskies finally got a drive going. Facing fourth-and-11 near midfield, Fisch elected to go for it. A broken play led to Williams doing what he does best, scrambling around before beating a linebacker to the sticks for a first down.
Needing to get creative, Fisch then called his best play of the season.
Dezmen Roebuck rolled out with the ball in what initially appeared to be a designed run. To the surprise of the Trojan defenders, Roebuck pulled up and threw a touchdown pass to tight end Baron Naone to give Washington a 7-3 lead.
USC’s next drive ended with an impressive leaping interception from sophomore Rylon Dillard-Allen. Washington failed to capitalize on the momentum, however, giving USC the ball back at its own 41-yard line before watching the Trojans march down the field with ease to take a 10-7 lead.
After the teams traded stalled drives, Washington drove the length of the field behind balanced play-calling and more trickery.
A flea-flicker sprung Naone for a 17-yard gain. That set up more work on the ground for Bonner, with Washington getting consistent push from its offensive line for the first time all season.
Kade Eldridge punctuated the eight-play, 80-yard drive with a goal-line rushing touchdown to give Washington a 14-10 lead.
Second Half Struggles, Critical Turnover Prove to be Huskies Undoing
The second half saw Washington begin to turn things up on both sides of the ball. The Huskies forced a USC punt before scoring on a 42-yard catch-and-run from tight end Decker DeGraaf, who broke multiple tackles on his way to the end zone.
USC responded by running the ball down Washington’s throat before throwing a prayer to sophomore Tanook Hines, who overcame tight coverage from Dylan Robinson for a highlight-reel touchdown.
Washington stonewalled the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, limiting USC to six points on the possession.
Williams then handed USC the lead by fumbling on an awkward double-clutch. The Trojans returned the loose ball 48 yards for a scoop-and-score to take a 22-21 lead.
USC added another scoring drive later, kicking a field goal to extend its advantage to 25-21.
It was a very winnable game that Fisch and company let slip through their hands. The Huskies had multiple opportunities to retake the lead but ultimately came up short each time, allowing USC to escape with a much-needed win.
Up Next
Washington will host No. 14 Iowa next Friday in an attempt to right the ship. The Huskies will likely need to win out to have a realistic shot at reaching the College Football Playoff.
It is a tall task, but an achievable one for a team with enough talent to compete with anyone.
