SEATTLE, WA — After two weeks of leaning heavily on its defense, Washington finally showed what its offense can look like when everything starts clicking.
Demond Williams Jr. threw for 373 yards and four touchdowns as the Huskies rolled past Eastern Washington 48-16 Saturday at Husky Stadium, completing their nonconference schedule unbeaten and carrying some offensive momentum into Big Ten play.
Washington improved to 3-0 after opening the season with victories over Washington State and Utah State. Those wins produced only five touchdowns combined, but the Huskies found the end zone on four of their first five possessions against Eastern Washington.
Williams completed 27 of 33 passes, spreading the ball across a receiving group that consistently created opportunities downfield. Dezmen Roebuck finished with a career-high nine catches for 121 yards, while Rashid Williams caught six passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Chris Lawson opened the scoring with a 15-yard touchdown reception on Washington’s first possession. After Eastern Washington pulled within 7-3, Williams found Rashid Williams for a 5-yard score and a 14-3 advantage.
The Eagles briefly made things interesting when quarterback Nate Bell scored on a 14-yard run early in the second quarter, trimming Washington’s lead to 14-10.
The Huskies responded instead of allowing the game to tighten.
Williams connected with Jordan Clay for a 3-yard touchdown before finding Rashid Williams for an 18-yard score. Tyler Robles added a field goal just before halftime, sending Washington into the locker room with a 31-10 advantage.
Washington coach Jedd Fisch had emphasized finishing throughout the week after the Huskies struggled to put away their first two opponents.
“Our whole focus this week has been about finishing in all three phases,” Coach Fisch said before the game.
That message showed up in a key third-quarter sequence. Eastern Washington drove to the Washington 5 before the Huskies stopped Bell on fourth-and-1. Three plays later, Williams connected with Baron Naone for 75 yards, setting up Ansu Sanoe’s 1-yard touchdown run.
Washington finished with 546 total yards, including 398 through the air. The Huskies also overcame 101 yards in penalties and a pair of third-quarter ejections to maintain control.
“Glad we got we got a bunch of our younger guys touchdowns,” said coach Fisch.
The performance provided Washington with the offensive breakthrough it had been searching for through the first two weeks.
Now 3-0, the Huskies turn their attention to Big Ten play with Minnesota visiting Husky Stadium next Saturday night.
