SEATTLE, WA — Washington’s defense kept the Huskies in control long enough for Demond Williams Jr. and the offense to find their finishing touch.
Williams threw for 268 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score as No. 17 Washington opened its season with a 24-10 victory over Washington State on Sept. 6 at Husky Stadium, keeping the Apple Cup in purple and gold for a second consecutive season.
The Huskies held Washington State scoreless through three quarters, forced three turnovers and did not allow the Cougars to convert a third down. Washington State finished 0 for 11 in those situations as the UW defense repeatedly gave its offense opportunities.
“I want to start with congratulating our defense,” Washington coach Jedd Fisch said. “I thought they had an outstanding game. I think 0 for 11 on third down, which is pretty amazing.”
Washington struck first on Tyler Robles’ 48-yard field goal before the defense helped create the Huskies’ first touchdown. Jeron Jones intercepted Caden Pinnick in the second quarter and returned the ball to the Washington State 21. Williams eventually finished the short drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, sending UW into halftime ahead 10-0.
Washington State finally broke through early in the fourth when Pinnick scored on an 11-yard run, cutting the Huskies’ lead to 10-7.
Instead of allowing the momentum to shift, Washington answered immediately.
Williams connected with Rashid Williams for a 44-yard gain on the ensuing possession before finding him again for a 1-yard touchdown that restored Washington’s 10-point advantage. After Washington State kicked a field goal, the Huskies responded again with a five-play, 68-yard drive capped by Jayden Limar’s 11-yard touchdown run with 2:18 remaining.
“It felt really good,” Williams said of winning the rivalry game at home. “Especially the way we won, very gritty. Being able to hold the lead there at the end even when they were battling back and showing signs of life.”
Williams completed 24 of 35 passes without an interception and also led Washington with 61 rushing yards. The Huskies finished with 402 yards of offense while limiting Washington State to 242.
Alex McLaughlin’s interception late in the fourth put the finishing touch on a defensive performance that carried Washington until its offense broke through.
The Huskies weren’t flawless, but when Washington State made its fourth-quarter push, Washington answered with two touchdown drives and walked out of Husky Stadium with the Apple Cup still in hand.