The Huskies earlier in the season cradled the hope that they were ready to challenge for a Pac-12 Championship. They thought they had the talent, depth and scheme to shoot past the seven-win plateau of the previous three seasons. Saturday’s blowout 53-24 loss to Arizona State in Tempe under ideal conditions — temperatures were in the mid 80’s at kick-off — provided evidence to the contrary.
UW coach Steve Sarkisian called it an embarrassment. Sportspress Northwest photographer Drew McKenzie bore witness.
Quarterback Keith Price is a potent combination of talent and toughness. But he can’t play hurt. Price accounted for 217 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions on 16 of 39 while being sacked six times.
After seeing Price aggravate his thumb injury, Sarkisian pulled him in the fourth quarter for freshman quarterback Cyler Miles, then afterward was vague about Price’s ability to start at home Saturday against Cal (1-6), which lost 49-17 Saturday night to Oregon State.
The UW offense was basically a no-show against a Sun Devils front led by Will Sutton. It was tough finding a player who didn’t struggle. The Huskies had 212 yards of total offense and converted 4-of-17 on third down. Tight end Joshua Perkins managed this catch for 23 yards.
Junior wide receiver Kasen Williams contributed a little, though he didn’t fulfill his reputation as a deep threat, catching four passes for 26 yards.
Despite going lame in the desert, the Huskies, with games against Cal (1-6, 0-4 Pac-12) and Colorado (3-3, 0-3 Pac-12), still have a good chance to reach 6-3. But the remaining games against UCLA (5-1, 2-1), Oregon State (6-1, 4-0)and the often-mysterious Apple Cup game against Washington State (4-4, 2-3) suggest the possibility of another 7-5 regular season.
This one sums up the afternoon.
