The Day After: 21 thoughts on Washington's close call against Arizona State
Pressure stats, o-line movement, injuries and more.
SEATTLE — Though you might prefer to never think of it again, here are some final thoughts and observations after No. 5 Washington’s 15-7 victory over Arizona State.
1. The best-case scenario for what happened to Washington on Saturday: insistent as the Huskies are about striving toward and maintaining the same standard regardless of opponent, an emotional letdown was inevitable after the Oregon win, and a feisty opponent with an extra week to prepare — and a willingness to blitz like crazy — combined with some bad turnover luck to yield the type of performance that often leads to UW’s annual inexplicable defeat. Except this time, the Huskies didn’t lose.
2. The worst-case scenario: ASU showed that relentless pressure up the middle is the way to beat Washington’s offense, and the Huskies are beat up enough on the interior offensive line and at receiver to be seriously concerned about their chances of holding up against USC, Utah and Oregon State, at least.