USC rally exposes Washington’s third-down and turnover problems
Washington led by 11 in the third quarter but lost 25–21 after USC scored the final 15 points, including a go-ahead touchdown from a returned fumble.
Washington let a third-quarter lead slip away, losing 25–21 to USC after the Trojans scored the game’s final 15 points. The Huskies had led 21–10.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw for 198 yards and a touchdown. But a second-half fumble was returned for USC’s go-ahead touchdown, turning a Washington mistake into the decisive score.
Washington converted just one of 12 third-down attempts, leaving the offence with little ability to sustain drives. The supplied report says the Huskies are now two for 22 on third down in conference play.
Yahoo Sports’ assessment described the passing offence as a missed opportunity against a USC defence it characterised as vulnerable. Its report gave Washington’s passing offence a 4/10, while grading Williams and the offensive line 3.5/10 each, and receivers and tight ends 5.5/10.
The report also noted five sacks allowed and identified a 43-yard catch by Chris Lawson on fourth down and Decker DeGraaf’s 42-yard touchdown as offensive highlights. It said those plays came through improvisation or poor tackling, rather than a consistently functioning offence.
