Huskies Lose OT Nail Biter 30-27: Oregon Instant Reactions

In a game that would have put Washington in the driver’s seat to win a second north title in 3 years, the Huskies disappointed and were edged out by Oregon. Peyton Henry had a chance to be the hero but his 37 yard field goal sailed wide as time expired. Things were looking good in Washington’s subsequent OT possession as Kamari Pleasant took the first play down near the goal line. Washington’s next two plays went for almost no gain and they settled for a field goal.

On Oregon’s ensuing possession, it seemed like the Huskies might get a stop, forcing a 3rd and 11. But, as has happened all year, Washington could not get pressure on the QB, and Herbert hit Dillon Mitchell to convert. A few plays later Oregon running back CJ Verdell ran right up the middle untouched into the end zone to give Oregon the lead.

The first half was just as tense as the 2nd, though you could say Oregon was fortunate to be tied. They converted both 4th down attempts, had a fumble go out of bounds, and two picks dropped by Washington. Nothing seemed to be going Washington’s way but they were able find the end zone courtesy of two nice Salvon Ahmed runs.

Oregon was opportunistic and made plays at the right times, all game. Even though the Huskies held them to 3.6 yards per carry, they converted 3rd and 4th downs when it mattered. Justin Herbert was up and down, but made some really nice throws, none better than his strike to Jaylon Redd at the end of the 1st half to tie it up.

This is a tough pill to swallow in what will be a tight Pac-12 North race all season.

Instant Dots

• Washington showed its running back depth today by giving both Sean McGrew and Kamari Pleasant carries in significant moments. Of course the downside is the potential lingering health issues of Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin. But, they showed little drop off in production for being the 3rd and 4th string.
• Jake bounced back with a strong second half after we saw some poor play in the first half. His 2nd half stats were: 9/10 for 152 yards and a TD. It’s unfortunate the Huskies didn’t win because Browning lead the team on one of his best 4th quarter drives of his career.
• Bush Hamdan will get plenty of criticism for his play calls in this game. Specifically, abandoning the run at key times when it was working, and the OT 2nd and goal choice to run the wildcat with Sean McGrew.
• Washington’s receivers had one of their worst games of the season, failing to get open in some key moments against what was thought to be a relatively week Oregon secondary. Aaron Fuller was as quiet as he’s been all year.
• Levi Onwuzurike has really come on lately. His quickness has been a huge problem for interior OL to handle and was in the Oregon backfield more than any other DL. He nearly had a sack but Jaylen Johnson’s targeting negated it.
• The TEs were big in this game, with Drew Sample having one his best receiving games of his career. All of his catches were in crucial moments. Cade Otton also had two impressive grabs of his own.
• For those of you that cared about making a Playoff run this year, you can consider those hopes done.
• Dillon Mitchell for Oregon torched the Huskies all day and continually made big catches when they needed them.
• On 3rd and goal in OT, we ran a fade. When Oregon got their chance on 3rd and goal, they ran it right up the gut. Very reminiscent of Auburn and their go ahead TD late in the game. For as physical as the Huskies play, those two runs are statements about physicality in key moments where the Huskies have not come out on top.
• Washington plays Colorado at home next week. We’ll learn a lot more about the surprise 5-0 Buffaloes tonight after they play USC.

That’s all I got. Have it, Husky fans.