Jedd Fisch’s Huskies are sitting at 2-0 right now, but don’t let those early wins fool you, because the coach himself is already pinpointing the major area that needs work: late-game composure. This early season hasn’t exactly been the fireworks show Montlake faithful expected, yet the Dawgs have found a way to grind out victories. Still, Fisch’s focus on those crucial fourth-quarter moments tells you everything you need to know about the real challenges ahead.
The Offense Is Grinding, But Help Is On The Way
Let’s be real, the offense has been sluggish, especially up front and in the run game. We’re talking just 20 points per game and an average margin of victory of only seven. That’s a nail-biter territory for a team with high expectations! The good news is the offensive line is on the mend. Center Landen Hatchett is set to return soon, and freshman left tackle Kodi Greene is getting more comfortable anchoring the line. The running back room is also seeing some fresh faces, with transfer Trey Cooley and freshmen Brian Bonner Jr. and Ansu Sanoe finally practicing with the first team. They need to get these guys integrated ASAP to inject some much-needed juice into the ground game and get this offense roaring.
Defense Is Balling, Until The Final Quarter Bell Rings
Now, let’s give credit where it’s due: Ryan Walters’ defensive scheme has been flat-out productive. These Dawgs are ranked No. 4 in the nation in havoc rate and boast the third-highest turnover margin in the FBS. That’s elite stuff, folks! The defense has been stout, allowing just seven points combined in the first three quarters of their first two games. SEVEN POINTS! That’s incredible. But here’s the kicker: they’ve allowed 17 combined points in the fourth quarters. That’s a problem that flips pressure right back onto the offense. Fisch pointed out that last year, they weren’t good in close games, mentioning losses like 7-6 at halftime against Ohio State and 14-7 against Oregon. He praised the current squad’s resilience in the Apple Cup and against Utah State, saying they “didn’t panic” in one-possession games, and that’s something to build on. They are 2-0, and one of only seven teams in college football to play two bowl teams back-to-back, so that’s something. But the late scores cannot keep happening if we want to compete.
This Saturday, the Dawgs are heavy favorites, looking at a 40-plus point spread against FCS opponent Eastern Washington. While it’s great to be the clear favorite, Fisch and his team need to change the narrative around their closing ability. With four ranked opponents still on the schedule,three of them at home,they will have to prove their ability to perform in crunch time against much tougher Big Ten competition.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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