Behind Enemy Lines: Washington Huskies

John Gugs
3 days ago
4 min read

After their dominant 27-10 win on the road against Wisconsin, Maryland got a week off and extra rest to get ready for the visiting Washington Huskies. The Terps will look to start 2-0 in Big Ten play while the Huskies are coming off a 24-6 loss to Ohio State. This week, we talked with Trevor Mueller of RealDawg Huskies to take a look into this years’ Washington to learn to expect heading into Saturday’s matchup.

IBG: Washington has been dealing with a lot of injuries the past several weeks. Who are some key players you expect back this weekend and how much of an impact do you see them having?

Trevor Mueller: Washington is beat on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side, senior transfer Carver Willis went down in Week 5 when his knee got rolled on. He walked off in street clothes after the game and will get an MRI this week. I suspect he will not be suited up this Saturday. This is a huge loss for the Huskies, who have tabbed him as the leader of the new offensive line. The line has been much better in 2025 (it couldn’t get worse), so there is optimism about the development of Maximus McCree, who stepped in after the injury. Jedd Fisch did not give an update on his availability on Monday.

The defensive side of the ball is where Washington is going to be hurting. Tecario Davis went through warmups but didn’t suit up against Ohio State. The probable 1st-round pick couldn't tackle with the injury to the ribs he sustained during an interception against UC Davis. Davis has a chance to come back this week.

Senior edge rusher Zach Durfee went down with a shoulder injury in Week 5 and watched the second half from the bench. He is also scheduled for an MRI this week, and Coach Fisch declined to give an update on his availability. This room has been hit with the injury bug and has had to bring in transfer Xre’ee Alexander from the linebacker room to play edge at times already this season.

IBG: With four games played into the season, what would you say is the biggest question that has been left unanswered on both sides of the ball for the Huskies?

TM: The biggest question mark is who is going to step up when the #1 target is taken away. There is an argument that Washington boasts one of the top quarterback/running back/receiver combinations in the conference. The Buckeyes doubled Denzel Boston, who is projected as a first-round draft pick in next year’s NFL Draft, and was held to just 3 catches for 26 yards. Washington moved the ball between the 20s on OSU but couldn’t find the end zone when the windows got smaller. With Boston being double-teamed, none of the other options found separation, even with OSU stacking the box to stop Jonah Coleman from finding any daylight.

IBG: The Huskies’ offense is averaging over 200 yards per game both rushing and passing to start the season. What has led the offense to have such a balanced attack and do you see it continuing throughout conference play?

TM: Washington has had a balanced attack because of Demond Williams Jr. He can beat defenses with his arm and his legs, which makes every dropback a potential explosive play in the passing game or on the ground. To go along with the potential star in Williams Jr. is running back Jonah Coleman, who is one of the top backs in the country. He is averaging 6.5 yards a carry, including averaging 5.4 yards a carry against Ohio State.

Demond Williams Jr. continues to improve his rhythm in connecting with receivers on timing routes when they are open. He had two nice balls to true freshman Dezmen Roebuck that moved the chains, as well as transfer Omari Evans.

I think the trend will continue in conference play because Williams Jr. and Coleman are an explosive threat whenever they touch the ball. Williams Jr. shows a lot of maturity not turning the ball over. The biggest question mark is who will step into a go-to role alongside Boston.

IBG: Washington will win on Saturday if _____?

TM: Washington will win if they learn how to play on the road. Before their win in Week 4 in Pullman against a depleted Washington State team, Washington hadn’t won a game outside Husky Stadium since their Sugar Bowl win against Texas in 2023. Last year they looked uncompetitive on the road in Iowa, Penn State, and Oregon.

IBG: What is your score prediction for Saturday and why?

TM: 28-24 Washington – Even with the 24-6 loss to Ohio State, the game was 3-7 at halftime and was an 11-point game until late in the 4th quarter. Washington was able to move the ball on a very good OSU defense. Caleb Downs was excellent in bracketing Denzel Boston, something I don’t see happening every week.

Washington was able to limit the Ohio State run game for much of the contest but wore down in the late stages of the game. Malik Washington is a really good quarterback, but the Husky defensive backfield is the strength of the unit. It is going to be close, and I would not be surprised if Maryland comes out on top.

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