Huskies Lose in Fiesta Bowl

The Washington Huskies football team played like most of the Pac-12 teams did in the bowl games and did the same by losing to Pen State 35-28. The Nittany Lions took a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter. The Huskies reminded me so much of the game the Seahawks played a couple weeks ago against the Los Angeles.  Like the Seahawks it was a shock to see the Huskies defense play so poorly. At the same time you had to give credit to Pen State quarterback Trace McSorley who had an outstanding game. He not only passed excellently he ran the ball pretty well as well. Where the Lions did so well was on third downs. They completed thirteen out of seventeen third downs. Not only were they able to get more first downs in the process they had large gains many of the times as well. The defensive line was unable to get to McSorley and he was able get the ball to the receivers with Huskies defenders all around them. I don’t remember ever seeing him quarterback before however I was very impressed like many others as well. The announcers on television said this was the best game they had seen him play.

I wasn’t disappointed that the Huskies lost I was disappointed how they played especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Huskies offense actually played a good game though the Lions did stop the Huskies running game to some extent. The Huskies were able to score fourteen points in the second quarter after not scoring any in the first quarter however the defense also gave up fourteen points as well so the lead was 28-14 at half time. On the bright side the Huskies scored fourteen in the second half while limiting the Lions to seven. The Huskies had a chance to score at the end of the game but came up short.

Playing Pen State showed the Huskies and the rest of the Pac-12 where they need to improve to play against the big boys of the other conferences like the Big Ten.

What surprised me was that the Huskies defense came out so flat after having a month off to prepare for the game. The Huskies have done well in bowl games whether winning or losing but this game was different for some reason. I am sure next year Coach Peterson will have them more prepared for whatever bowl game they participate in.

Now Sunday we see how the Seattle Seahawks do against the Arizona Cardinals. Regardless of the outcome they may not make the playoffs. The Seahawks have to win this game to have any chance for the playoffs and at the same time Carolina Panthers have to beat the Atlanta Falcons. If the Seahawks win and the Falcons win as well the Seahawks are out of the playoffs. Both teams winning they both will have identical records but the Falcons did beat the Seahawks so they would go to the playoffs. The Seahawks need to see if the running game can come alive after being absent most of the season. Quarterback Russell Wilson has done the bulk of the running which is not a good thing. Regardless what happens I see changes on the line especially the right side and at the running back position. I am sure the Seahawks will have other changes as well and most likely that will be on the defensive side. It will be interesting to see what happens. Go Hawks!