The UW Huskies traveled to Big Ten territory last weekend and endured their most significant defeat in three years, losing 40-16 to Iowa. The game highlighted sharp contrasts between the two programs, revealing key differences in style and execution.
The Hawkeyes exemplify stability and experience, led by Kirk Ferentz, their head coach of 26 years, who achieved his 200th career win in Saturday’s game. Entering the season with 17 returning starters, Iowa showcased a stark contrast to the Huskies.
Washington, under first-year head coach Jedd Fisch and a new coaching staff, brought back only two starters from last year’s national runner-up team. This disparity was especially evident in the trenches, where Iowa’s offensive line boasted 151 combined starts—all for the Hawkeyes—while Washington’s youthful and patched-together O-line of transfers and newcomers had just seven FBS starts, none with the Huskies.
Brock Huard, who called the game for FOX, witnessed this stark contrast firsthand in Iowa City.
Brock Huard, speaking on *Dawg Talk* for Seattle Sports, highlighted the clear physical disparity between the Iowa and Washington lines during the pregame. “I stood along the wall in the tunnel and just watched these Iowa players one by one walk by and went, ‘Wow. Wow. Wow,’” Huard recalled, emphasizing the maturity and size of Iowa’s starting five. In contrast, he noted Washington’s O-line appeared young and underdeveloped: “Geez, that’s a newbie, that’s a newbie, that’s an underdeveloped player.”
This difference manifested on the field, with Iowa dominating on both sides of the ball. The Hawkeyes rushed for 220 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, with standout running back Kaleb Johnson contributing 166 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Defensively, Iowa’s pass rush caused constant trouble for Washington, tallying four sacks, including a critical strip-sack.
Huard summed up the contrast: “It’s kind of like when you see a house online… you kind of know it, but then it’s a little different when you walk it and see it with your own eyes.” Iowa’s physical and developmental advantage was apparent, as the seasoned Hawkeyes overpowered Washington’s younger and less experienced players.
The Washington Huskies now hold a 4-3 record (2-2 in the Big Ten), and their remaining schedule poses significant challenges. After a bye this week, they face No. 16 Indiana (6-0) on the road, host USC (3-3), travel to No. 3 Penn State (6-0), host UCLA (1-5), and then head to No. 2 Oregon (6-0). The Huskies need two more wins to become bowl-eligible.
Brock Huard emphasized the importance of reaching a bowl game, especially for maintaining momentum in recruiting and gaining valuable extra practices for player development. “The schedule is brutal,” Huard said, pointing out that Washington will likely be underdogs in four out of the remaining five games, with UCLA being the only game where they might be favored.
He added, “You’re going to need that for recruiting purposes… You’ve got to find a win and you’re going to have to find an upset somewhere.” The road ahead is tough, but bowl eligibility is crucial for the program’s continued growth and success.