Washington’s defense held sixth-ranked Oregon to its second-lowest rushing output of the season. Ryan Walters’ group was on the field for the majority of the game while Oregon’s offense controlled possession all afternoon. But it held strong against Oregon’s nationally ranked top-ten rushing offense. However, there were two game-altering plays in the first quarter and fourth quarter that kept the Huskies from ever taking the lead. Washington’s 26-14 loss ends its season at 8-4, as it now eyes a bowl destination.
Game-Defining Plays Lift Oregon Over Washington
Difference-Making Plays
“There were just a few plays in the game that were difference makers for us,” Jedd Fisch said after the loss to Oregon. One of the plays Fisch referenced in this regard was the first quarter. “I thought we missed some check downs. The interception we had, Raiden [Vines-Bright] sitting right there that we can just pop it to.” Instead, Oregon safety Jadon Canady ranged to his left and made a quality play on the football. As far as what Demond Williams saw on the play, he detailed it after the game. “I thought the safety got held up, and he made a good play on the ball, breaking to it.”
Fisch agreed, “The safety made a good play. I mean, I think nine out of ten times that ball’s gonna get thrown. When you have Denzel [Boston] on a linebacker one-on-one, you’re going to throw that.” Williams made the same point after seeing the coverage mismatch develop during the play. “In those situations, I have to know where my check-down is at,” Williams concluded.
Another difference-maker on Saturday was the Ducks’ 64-yard dagger of a touchdown on third down in the fourth quarter. Following Washington’s touchdown pass to Boston that cut the deficit to just five points, Oregon struck back. “[We] had momentum at 19-14 on third and nine,” Fisch said after the game when discussing this play. “Thought we had a great opportunity for a stop, get the ball back, and hopefully take the lead. And they hit a 64-yard touchdown there.” The pass from Dante Moore to Malik Benson re-extended the Ducks’ lead, ultimately sealing the game.
Forcing One Dimension
Forcing Oregon into one dimension hindered its offense at times throughout the season, especially in its loss to Indiana. Washington’s front seven was able to replicate that on Saturday against the Ducks’ run game. Oregon rushed the ball 42 times in the game for an average of just 2.5 yards per carry. The Ducks totaled a mere 106 rushing yards. It was their second-lowest output of the season behind only the Indiana game. It had just one explosive rushing play against the Husky defense, a 17-yard run on fourth down. That fourth-down conversion set up a touchdown rush by Moore. A third difference-making play.
Fisch noted the defense’s ability to gang tackle and get off the blocks in its effort in the run game. “I thought we were very physical up front. Our defensive line and linebackers up front did a really nice job.” Washington’s run defense allowed it to maintain pace with Oregon despite the time it spent on the field. The Ducks finished with a near-10-minute time-of-possession advantage in this game. But their run game was not a factor.
“We’re just doing what we do,” EDGE Zach Durfee said after the game. “We practice really hard, and that shows up in the games. You turn on the tape, you’ll see elite defense week-in and week-out.”
Imbalance on Offense
Adam Mohammed didn’t start the game against Oregon, but he had the most attempts out of the backfield. The true sophomore running back had 14 carries for 105 yards against the Ducks. It was his second-straight 100-yard rushing performance, and he averaged 7.5 yards per carry in this one. “I don’t know if it’s running harder as much as it’s running with more confidence,” Fisch said of Mohammed after the game, noting how Mohammed has run with force all season. “The more you run the football, the more you play, the more confidence you gain… He’s taken on the role of being the guy.” Jonah Coleman started his final game inside Husky Stadium and logged 22 yards on nine carries. He also caught a pass for nine yards in the game.
Mohammed’s rushing performance accounted for 37% of the offense on Saturday, as the passing game was never really a threat. Williams finished 15 of 30 for just 129 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Boston led the team with four catches for 25 yards and both touchdowns. But eight different receivers caught a pass, including three true freshmen. “I’m really excited about what’s ahead of us,” Fisch said after the game. “We’ve probably played more young players than anyone, we’ve probably played more freshmen in total snaps than anybody.”
Looking Ahead
There’s significant young talent on this roster as attention turns to Bowl Season and 2026. The Huskies started three true freshmen on defense, and the offense featured first-year wide receivers and linemen in addition to Williams and Mohammed, who are sophomores. Washington’s eight-win season will earn it a bowl bid that will be announced next week. Said Fisch, “From where we were a year ago to where we are today, we’ve really done a nice job of becoming a better team.”
Main Photo: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
