The Jedd Fisch era at Washington began with a resounding 35-3 home win over Weber State. Arizona transfer RB Jonah Coleman was the star of the show running for 127 yards & 3 touchdowns on 16 carries. Mississippi State transfer QB Will Rodgers chipped in with a solid performance throwing for 250 yards & 1 touchdown on 20/26 passing. New defensive coordinator Steve Belichick had his side flying around, making tackles, getting after the QB and breaking up passes.

While Weber State QB Richie Munoz was held in check, only 98 total passing yards, their ground game was fairly efficient with RB Damon Bankston leading the way with 105 rushing yards on 16 carries. Washington will face better ground attacks in conference play and need to drastically improve this area of the defense quickly. It will be a group effort to control the line of scrimmage, but a couple of guys stood out against Weber State.

Zach Durfee, the 6-ft, 5-in 255lbs defensive end who transferred from Sioux Falls to Washington last season, but had to sit out the entire year due to eligibility issues (a 2x transfer), was the Huskies best defensive lineman. He was getting into the Weber State backfield and hurrying their QB often. He also had a pass breakup where if he’d caught it he had nothing but green grass ahead.

Sebastian Valdez, a 6-ft, 4-in 305lbs DT transfer from Montana State, was signed by the previous HC Kalen DeBoer and persuaded to stay by Jedd Fisch. This was a massive coup by the new coach as the D-Line had to be totally rebuilt & retooled in the off-season. He was the one guy who was taking up space in the middle and creating havoc for the Weber State offensive line.

Linebacking duo Carson Bruner (5 tackles) and Alphonzo Tuputala (6 tackles) led the Dawgs in tackling. Both guys were flying around with their hair on fire. A couple of times the Weber State RB’s were able to get around them due to poor tackling angles, gotta get those cleaned up. It’ll also be interesting to see how they matchup in pass coverage against a good TE or receiving RB.

The secondary was outstanding. Weber State had no passing attack to speak of and turned very one dimension once the score dictated they went away from the run. Arizona transfer CB Ephesians Prysock looks like a guy who will play on Sunday. He has great size, length and ball skills and, at 6-ft 4-in 193lbs, a similar build to Seahawks legend Richard Sherman, who was spotted on the sideline chopping it up with current Commanders LB, and former Seahawks LB, Bobby Wagner. The other starting CB Thaddeus Dixon chipped in with 4 tackles and 2 passes defended, very solid. One of the few Husky holdovers from 2023, Kamren Fabiculanan also had 3 tackles.

Overall, the offensive line performed well blasting open plenty of holes for Jonah Coleman and giving Will Rodgers enough time to find his receivers. A couple of times though there was some miscommunication between the group and Weber State were able to take advantage and get to Rodgers (2 sacks) or stop the Husky RB for a loss (5 tackles for loss). It’s only the first game for the group, so nothing to be too concerned about, just some small things to clean up for offensive coordinator and o-line coach Brennan Carroll.

No receiver went over 100 yards, so that is a bit concerning, but with the overall loss in talent at the position it might take a few weeks to get the passing game up and running. And for Will Rodgers to build chemistry and trust with the new group. He seemed to like to throw to Giles Jackson (10 receptions for 98 yards) and Denzel Boston (6 receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown) mostly. No other WR recorded a reception, which is a little concerning.

The tight end group is quite thin at the moment with a couple of injuries (Ryan Otton, Charlie Crowell) thinning the group considerably. Starter Quentin Moore hauled in one reception for 14 yards and was hurt on the play. Forcing freshman Decker DeGraff into action. To his credit, he was a part of the best offensive play-call of the game when he scored on a 33-yard touchdown reception.

Early in the fourth quarter, Washington fans caught of glimpse of the future in Arizona transfer QB Demond Williams Jr. Rumors were flying around after spring and summer camp that many people think he’s the fastest player on the roster. They were right. A handful of times the pocket broke down and he utilized his wheels to evade pressure and get up field. His acceleration is uncanny. The way he was able to escape the pocket and dance around while keeping his eyes downfield *gulp* reminded me of a prime Russell Wilson. Yeah, especially in Seattle, that’s a lofty name to throw out as Williams Jr’s comparison, but it truly feels like he’s that special. It’s nice he’ll have a season to learn under the new coaching staff and to develop physically & mentally in preparation for a starting role in 2025. Keep an eye out for him.

To all the Husky fans, this season will be full of peaks and valleys, mostly due to the insane amount of coaching and roster turnover and navigating a totally new conference, but the future indeed looks bright and full of promise! Next up in Week 2, Eastern Michigan pay Husky Stadium a visit. Go Dawgs!