The Washington offense put out a disappointing performance in the Apple Cup, as the Huskies were held to just 10 points until late in the fourth quarter. The performance came as a surprise to everyone, but one area in particular that didn't live up to their own standard was the offensive line.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Washington State defensive line forced 16 total pressures, with 9 of those coming off the edge from Linus Zunk and Matyus McLain. Despite not allowing any sacks, quarterback Demond Williams Jr. faced consistent pressure throughout the game, playing a role in the Huskies being 4-for-12 on third down.
During his Tuesday press conference, offensive line coach Michael Switzer wasted no time sharing his feelings about his group's
performance.
"Really disappointed when you look back at it," Switzer said. " Even throughout the game, the way we played physically was not up to our standard. There's some moving pieces in terms of guys getting their first in action, with Kodi (Greene) at left tackle and Kolt (Dieterich) playing the center position for the first time, Champ (Taulealea) getting his first start. But the expectation is the position. So, to sit there and make excuses for it, we will not. We've got to improve greatly, and the guys understand that very clearly, and they understood it before the game was over."
Along with double-digit pressures, the Huskies' front five also struggled with penalties at times. On a drive where Washington was knocking on the doorstep of the WSU 10-yard line, first-year starter Champ Taulealea was called for two separate holding penalties that moved the Huskies back twenty yards, where the drive ultimately stalled before ending in a field goal.
Taulealea wasn't the only one guilty of penalties, though, as freshman Kodi Greene was also called for holding in the first half and had a false start late in the fourth quarter that could've forced the Huskies to give the ball back to the Cougars in a one-possession game, before Williams showed off his legs and picked up a 21-yard gain on third-and-9 to help seal Sunday's victory.
Although there are plenty of reasons why Sunday's production up front was nowhere near where Switzer and players expect it to be, there won't be any excuses from them. Whether it's the first-year starters full of potential or the veteran leaders who tie the group together, the group was very vocal about their aspirations to win the Joe Moore Award.
With an entire season still ahead of them, the front is looking to bounce back and send a clear message against Utah State this weekend at home.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Michael Switzer Shares Frustration with Offensive Line After Apple Cup
