The Washington Huskies have won their first game with coach Kalen DeBoer after defeating Weber State, 35-3, at home.
The Huskies have a completely different team for the 2024 season compared to the roster that made it to the College Football National Championship last season. Transfer quarterback Will Rogers recorded a touchdown in his debut as the starter for the Huskies. Washington will have to look forward to their next game against Eastern Michigan to correct the mistakes they had against the Wildcats.
Washington Huskies Defeat Weber State Wildcats Behind Stout Defense
The Washington football team is officially 1-0 to start the 2024 season after defeating the Weber State Wildcats, 35-3. The Huskies defense looked exceptional as they held the Wildcats offense to just 98-yards through the air and three points. Alphonso Tuputala led the team with six total tackles and an assisted sack as well for the defense.
Quarterback Will Rogers made his first start for the Huskies after transferring to the program from Mississippi State. Rogers was a starter for much of the past four seasons for the Bulldogs, with 69 touchdowns being scored through the air during the 2021-22 seasons. The quarterback kicked off his season with the Huskies by tossing for 250-yards and one touchdown.
Running back Jonah Coleman was the star of the show for the Washington football team, rushing 16 times for 127-yards and three touchdowns. The former Arizona running back recorded five touchdowns all season last year, and now will surely reach a new career-high. Coleman looked electric for the Huskies and found open lanes consistently against the Wildcats defense.
What Did the Washington Football Team do Right, and do Wrong Against the Wildcats?
For the Washington football team, what went according to plan against the Weber State Wildcats was the defense dominance on the Huskies part. Washington allowed just 98-yards through the air and held the Wildcats to 155-yards on the ground as well. Weber State was never able to get anything started on offense and that is exactly what the goal was for the Huskies defense.
What the defense needs to correct, however, is the pressure they create against the run since Weber State found success on the ground. The Wildcats converted three-of-five conversions on fourth down and truly challenged the Huskies during high-leverage situations. While these conversions did not result in any touchdowns by the Wildcats, Washington still needs to make sure they lock up opposing offenses in those situations.
For the Washing football team on offense, everything clicked as the Huskies were able to open up their playbook against the Wildcats. Rogers passed for 250-yards and a touchdown as he got his first feel for the new offensive playbook. Arizona transfer running back Jonah Coleman had three scores on the ground for the offense and showed true promise as the featured back.
What the offense will need to correct is both their decision making and their penalties as well moving forward. The Washington football team had six penalties for 53-yards, including one that nullified a 44-yard rushing touchdown. The Huskies certainly had the ability to run up the score against the Wildcats, but failed to properly execute at times such as their turnover on downs in the first quarter.
Get More NFL and College Football Content
For more news and trends in the college football world, follow me on Twitter @JarrettGuerrera
