Penalties plaguing Washington Huskies against Washington State

Headed to the fourth quarter of the 2024 Apple Cup, Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies are in a pretty tough spot. As the third quarter between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars wraps up, UW is currently trailing 24-19.

And while Washington State has actually done a decent job of challenging Washington in this one, a lot of the issues here are self-inflicted on UW’s part. Washington has not played a clean game and a rather significant factor in this game is how the Huskies have struggled to stay disciplined. 

Penalties have been a plague for Washington throughout the contest and there’s a good chance that could really cost them here if they don’t finish this game cleanly. 

Through the first three quarters, the Huskies have been abysmal when it comes to penalties. So far, Washington has committed an infuriating nine penalties for a grand total of 95 yards. And when you compare that to how Wazzu is doing in that regard, it’s even more frustrating. 

The Cougars have done well and they’ve committed just four penalties for 30 yards. The disparity in discipline is a big reason for the current difference in the score. The Huskies have repeatedly given the Cougars opportunities to continue drives and Wazzu’s offense is good enough as is. They don’t need any additional help.

Washington has outgained Wazzu in total yardage by a margin of 358 yards to 334 yards and quarterback Will Rogers has been plenty efficient as he’s completed 18 of his 25 pass attempts for 231 yards and a touchdown.

But mistakes are a rather notable issue for the Huskies here. And here’s to hoping that Washington can clean up their plays as the Huskies try to come out on top of the 2024 Apple Cup.