Washington carries third-down problems into Iowa game

What Happened

Washington’s 25–21 loss at USC on Saturday, Oct. 3, dropped the Huskies to 3–2 and exposed the same problems that have followed them into Big Ten play: one third-down conversion, five sacks allowed and a second-half Demond Williams fumble returned 48 yards for a go-ahead touchdown. Washington has converted 2 of 22 third downs in conference play. That collapse now meets Iowa at Husky Stadium on Friday, Oct. 9, with the Huskies’ place in the Big Ten race and John Mills’ hold on left tackle both under immediate pressure. Williams threw for 198 yards and a touchdown without an interception, but he completed fewer than 60% of his passes and lost the fumble after a pump fake. It was the second straight Washington loss by four or fewer points in which a Williams mistake gave the opponent seven points; Minnesota won 27–24 on Sept. 26.

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Does Mills start at left tackle, and does Washington give up fewer free rushes? Does Bonner turn more second-down carries into manageable third downs? When Iowa brings pressure, does Williams throw on time instead of drifting into another late escape? And can Washington’s defense finish tackles and pressures after missing more than 20 tackles and recording one sack at USC? For Williams, the Iowa game calls for fewer rescue acts and more ordinary snaps completed on time.(Josh has not yet commented.)