Washington · Big TenWashington carries third-down problems into Iowa game
The Huskies are 2-for-22 on conference third downs after allowing five sacks and losing a Demond Williams fumble for a touchdown.
OCT 6, 2026
Conference third-down conversions
Sacks allowed at USC
Tackles missed at USC
01 · The NewsThird-Down Problems Follow Washington to Iowa
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.
02 · The StakesWhy This One Matters
The third-down failures began earlier in the series. Brian Bonner ran for 89 yards on 19 carries, but too many second-down runs were stopped or gained little, leaving Washington in long-yardage situations. The offensive line then gave up five sacks, while Williams’ pocket decisions made the protection problems worse. Washington did produce two big completions: Chris Lawson made a 43-yard catch on fourth down, and Decker DeGraaf scored on a 42-yard touchdown reception. USC also committed nine penalties for 94 yards, but the Huskies could not turn those breaks into a win. That leaves Iowa as a direct test of whether Washington can stay relevant in the Big Ten race. Another game built around third-and-long, stalled protection and a game-changing turnover would put the offense under even more pressure before the Oct. 16 trip to Purdue. Kade Eldridge’s one-yard direct-snap touchdown and the double-pass score showed Washington can create points with unusual calls. Those plays helped at USC, but they cannot replace a functioning offense on ordinary downs.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
The third-down failures began earlier in the series. Brian Bonner ran for 89 yards on 19 carries, but too many second-down runs were stopped or gained little, leaving Washington in long-yardage situations.
“Another game built around third-and-long, stalled protection and a game-changing turnover would put the offense under even more pressure before the Oct. 16 trip to Purdue.”
From the story04 · The PersonnelNext Man Up
Washington shifted John Mills to left tackle late in the first half, and the move helped the protection. The staff has not said whether Mills will start there against Iowa or whether Kodi Greene will continue at the spot while he gets more acclimated. Mills’ position is the clearest personnel question. The larger problem still reaches Williams, the line and the second-down calls that keep putting them in bad situations.
05 · The ChessboardWhat the Coaches Can Actually Change
Washington can create more manageable third downs by adjusting its second-down run menu, involving Eldridge more and using the misdirection that produced its two touchdowns. The offense also needs Williams to get the ball out on time when opponents bring pressure. The defense gave Washington a chance. Dylan Robinson played his best game at Washington, and the secondary held Kayden Dixon-Wyatt without a catch after a touchdown by the USC receiver was erased by a penalty. The defense did not finish cleanly. Washington recorded one sack, missed more than 20 tackles and allowed USC running backs 125 yards on 30 carries. USC held the ball for nearly 35 minutes. Hunter Green averaged more than 51 yards per punt and pinned the Trojans at their own 1-yard line twice, but that field-position advantage could not cover the other failures.
06 · The ThesisThe Pate State Read
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.
07 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Left tackle
Does Mills start at left tackle, and does Washington give up fewer free rushes?
Second downs
Does Bonner turn more second-down carries into manageable third downs?
Against pressure
When Iowa brings pressure, does Williams throw on time instead of drifting into another late escape?
Defensive finish
Can Washington’s defense finish tackles and pressures after missing more than 20 tackles and recording one sack at USC?