The Apple Cup is no stranger to outstanding quarterbacks, and the 117th edition saw two monster performances in the Huskies’ 59-24 win on Saturday. Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. outdueled Washington State’s Zevi Eckhaus with four touchdowns (three with his arm and one on the ground) in one of the best and most eye-catching performances of his young career. Behind Williams’ dynamics, the Huskies recaptured the rivalry trophy and will take it back with them across the Cascades, getting revenge for last year’s neutral-site loss in Seattle.
Williams set a career high with 88 rushing yards and has now run for at least 64 yards in each of his three outings to open the year. The four passing scores set a season high and matched the personal best he logged in the Sun Bowl last December. And from an efficiency perspective, it would be hard to be much better than the 16-for-19 completion rate Williams posted against his rivals.
On the other side, Eckhaus was terrific for much of the day and proved coach Jimmy Rogers right for inserting him into the lineup. Two interceptions and a fumble overshadowed the playmaking ability he flashed throughout the contest, though. Two of those turnovers came on consecutive snaps, and both led to Washington touchdowns.
It was during a three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter that the Huskies separated themselves for good. The aforementioned turnovers were the catalyst behind that surge.
Washington was in control for the game’s entirety. It scored on the opening drive and had an answer to every single Washington State score. The offense looks like an absolute juggernaut and has not been held off the scoreboard on a single drive since the season opener, save for a kneeldown. It reached the end zone on every one of those drives except for the two on which it had to settle for field goals.
With its in-state supremacy established and a perfect run through non-conference play complete, Washington now turns its attention to the Big Ten opener. And it is a big one. No. 1 Ohio State heads to Montlake next week for a 3:30 p.m. ET showdown with the Huskies on CBS.
Read below for highlights and analysis as Washington takes down Washington State in Week 4.
Read the full article here