The guys from Dawgman.com - Kim Grinolds, Chris Fetters, and Scott Eklund - had plenty to say after Washington's 42-33 win over Stanford Saturday afternoon at Stanford Stadium. And the first thing they talked about was the atmosphere at the stadium - or lack of atmosphere. The announced attendance was around a little over 24,000 fans, but it felt like closer to half that number. And maybe half of THAT number were wearing Purple and Gold.
The Huskies not only had to bring their own energy to the mix - which was difficult to do as many on the team were suffering from cold/flu symptoms, including quarterback Michael Penix Jr. - but they also had to do it down a number of key players. They did get Germie Bernard back, but Jalen McMillan once again wasn't able to get fully back in the mix. Julius Buelow did make his return, and the right guard started the game, which meant Parker Brailsford started at center.
On defense, the injuries were even more prominent. Tuli Letuligasenoa was at the game and suited but did not play. And the Huskies were down three safeties - Asa Turner, Kamren Fabiculanan, and Vincent Nunley - so Makell Esteen made his first career start.
Despite never trailing in the game, it always felt like the Cardinal were breathing down Washington's neck. Up 21-7 with 5 minutes left before halftime, Stanford was able to hit two field goals to bring the margin down to a single score. UW's offense rarely saw the field the first half, as Stanford had the ball for over 21 minutes.
The guys talked about the Cardinal targeting the defensive backs, specifically Esteen and cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, questionable pass interference calls on both sides, and the glaring lack of holding calls made (again).
After a quick break the guys turned to the other side of the ball, where the Huskies found a little more of the ball and also some timely plays - including a 92-yard pass from Penix to Ja'Lynn Polk for six. But two red zone turnovers in the fourth quarter made the game a lot closer than UW fans would have wanted, and the guys talked about the hit-and-miss nature of how the offense was as a whole, especially the receivers.
And then there was even more talk about penalties, as both teams were hit with costly personal foul calls at various points that stalled drives.
Before they close things out, Kim, Chris, and Scott give their final thoughts as the Huskies now get set to take another road trip - this time to USC - and the first College Football Playoff rankings come out on Halloween. How much credit will the Huskies get for being one of five Power-5 teams to stay unbeaten so far?
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