Jedd Fisch will not name a starter ahead of Washington’s trip to Oregon next week. Will Rogers has started 51 career games in his time at Mississippi State and Washington. But he and Demond Williams Jr. have played in all 11 of Washington’s games this season. It’s virtually certain that will be the case again on Saturday in Eugene, where we see both quarterbacks. But the question Husky fans want the answer to is, “Who gets the start?”
Washington doesn’t have anything to lose in a game like this at Oregon. Bowl eligibility is secured, and the hostility of a rivalry environment is an opportunity to derail the Ducks’ perfect season. To get the upset, you’ll want your most experienced player operating the offense, which is why Rogers is the best fit for Saturday.
Rogers Against the Blitz
Oregon’s defense tends to bring pressure more often than not. The Ducks have brought pressure from five-plus rushers more than 50% of the time this season. In terms of recognizing pressure and identifying a blitzing defense, Rogers will likely be the best option. The senior quarterback has rated very well against blitzing defenses this season. His passer rating is higher against the blitz than when not blitzed. Rogers has faced a blitz on 43% of his snaps on the year and has thrown 10 touchdowns and three interceptions with just under eight yards per attempt. 1,043 of his 2,458 passing yards this season have come against the blitz.
Against Michigan earlier this season, the first play of the game was a 36-yard pass completion in the face of a blitz. The Wolverines brought five rushers in a disguised pressure, and he got the football out in just over two seconds for a big gain. Rogers’ first passing touchdown in that contest was also thrown against the blitz. Rogers released the football in under one-and-a-half seconds for the score.
At Iowa, Rogers was quick in releasing the football against the blitz as well. On the team’s 14-play scoring drive, Rogers identified the blitz on two critical plays. The first was on a third and three where the Hawkeyes brought five rushers in Iowa territory. It was a play-action, and Rogers got the football off in under two-and-a-half seconds for a gain of nine yards. Later in the possession, Iowa brought a six-man pressure at the eight-yard line. Rogers took the shotgun snap and released a very well-placed fade pass to the corner of the end zone in just over one second. The football was out quickly and right on target for the touchdown.
Quick Toss Confidence
Those examples against Michigan and at Iowa are just a few of the spots where Rogers has executed an efficient pass game. He’s excelled all season at getting the football to his playmakers on fast-developing routes. Getting the ball off quickly was a big part of the air raid at Mississippi State. Similar play designs at Washington have been good for the Husky offense.
Two weeks ago, Rogers stepped into the Whiteout at Penn State. The senior quarterback constructed a quality opening drive that got overlooked once the field goal bounced off the upright. But this first possession reached the fringe of the Penn State red zone, temporarily quieting Beaver Stadium.
His first throw was a rollout short pass to the tight end for eight yards. Rogers’ next three attempts were all quick slant routes. He released the football between around one-and-a-half seconds on each pass. One pass was dropped, but the other two helped him go three of four on the opening drive for 23 yards. With the help of the run game, Washington reached the Nittany Lion 22-yard line. A large tackle for loss stalled the drive, but Rogers was a quarterback in command of an offense in a tough environment.
Senior Send Off
Rogers also provides the offense with pre-snap flexibility. Fisch calls the plays, but Rogers has the experience to check in and out of protections, identify coverages, and even alter the snap count at the line of scrimmage. He did this on the opening drive at Penn State, drawing an offsides penalty on the Nittany Lions.
His ability to beat the blitz, execute quick throws, and make pre-snap adjustments are three key advantages you get with the veteran quarterback. Those will all be valuable against Oregon’s top-rated defense. Rogers’ illustrious career has given him opportunities inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Kyle Field of the SEC. Autzen Stadium will hardly be unfamiliar territory for the senior. A start on Saturday would be the 52nd of his career and 12th of this season.
In a year where Fisch’s goal was a “reboot” and not a “rebuild,” Rogers was one of the key pieces that held together a group of mostly inexperienced offensive players both upfront and at the skill positions. Not only has Rogers earned the final start of his career at Oregon, but the matchup and environment is a spot where the SEC’s second all-time leading passer will be accustomed to.
