Enter this one into the record books as a big win for Washington. Sure the Cougars are terrible but any win is big for a team that didn't have one last season.
Quarterback
This was the first time all season we saw the real Jake. You know the Jake Locker who can win a game with his feet as well as his arm. I have seen him run better and I have seen him pass better in the past. That being said the return to health that has harnessed him since the Oregon game was good to see.
Grade A minus
Running backs
Another solid perfomance by Chris Polk who becomes the first Husky freshman to run over 1000 yards in a season. No asterisk on this one since he got it done in eleven games. Paul Homer made his first appearance as an offensive threat since the ND game. One wonders why Sark hasn't used that weapon until now.
Grade A minus
Receivers
Too many dropped balls stalled the offense in the first half of this one. As a unit this may have been one of their more questionable games since mental errors dominated just about everyone's performance.
Grade C plus
Offensive Line
The WSU defense gave these guys way too much trouble in the first half. Washington eventually wore down the Coug D who were on the field way too much. this group needs a better perfomance next week if Washington is going to give Cal much of a game.
Grade C plus
Defensive Line
The return of Cameron Elisara elevates this group a couple of notches. Darion Jones played most of the way and like Paul Homer who I mentioned above you have to wonder why UW didn't use him more this season. It was a great game by this unit overall but you have to facor in they were playing the worst offensive team in the BCS.
Grade A
Linebackers
As usual the play of this unit was solid and it was good to see Trenton Tuiasosopo get some meaninful playing time again. cort Dennison continues to play strong in the absence of EJ Savannah. Mason Foster and Donald butler were all over the place.
Grade A
Secondary
Jason Wells played a great game and the entire secondary was seldom challenged during the game. The young corners seems to be getting more comfortable out on the wings or was that just the competition they were playing against?
Grade A
Special Teams
Erik Folk was 3 for 3 and Nate Fellner once again served notice that he will be a force over the next three years. He had the hit of the day on a KO return that knocked a Cougar out of the game.
Grade A
Coaching
Sark finally let Jake run and we are all happy for that. Despite that the offense is still a work in progress still looking to click on all cylinders in a single game. Give Sark credit for getting his team fired up for this one and Nick Holt for guiding his defense to its first shut out as the Husky DC.
This game highlights how much work still needs to be done for next season to keep this team growing but you come away with the feeling that this staff will get it done.
Grade A