By Mark Pszonak
Ten months ago, Jedd Fisch was leading Arizona to a special season. The Wildcats looked poised to have another big season in 2024, but when opportunity came knocking in Washington, Coach Jedd Fisch decided to run to greener pastures. But now, after a loss at Rutgers on Friday night, the Huskies are 3-2 and the fanbase is already frustrated by the trajectory of the program.
Washington enjoyed a magical season in 2023, which culminated in a loss to Michigan in the National Championship game. However, since that loss, the Huskies saw their head coach leave for Alabama and then a good portion of their talented roster bolt for the NFL or the transfer portal.
Replacing Kalen DeBoer with Fisch was considered a good hire, especially after his impressive accomplishments with Arizona. The Huskies then did a quality job replenishing its roster through the portal in preparation for their first season in the Big Ten, While the fans weren’t expecting another magical run in 2024, they were hoping to positively showcase their program during their inaugural season.
Instead, it has been a bumpy start. Yes, the Huskies are 3-2, but the losses to in-state Washington State and then Rutgers, have quickly raised concerns among the fanbase.
Two specific shortcomings are in the spotlight. The Huskies are only converting 38% of their 3rd down attempts while suffering 80 penalty yards per game. Both of these issues were magnified against Rutgers when the Huskies offense gained over 500 yards, but only converted 2 of their 12 third down attempts and lost 68 yards on six penalties.
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Most coaches have a honeymoon period after a hire, but for Coach Fisch that period was more of a moment. The Huskies have the talent on the team to play better and smarter. The defense is stout, veteran quarterback Will Rogers has played well and running back Jonah Coleman is one of the better backs in the Big Ten. But the play calling must improve and the crushing penalties must stop.
Coach Fisch isn’t getting fired anytime soon, even though there is already a firejeddfisch.com website, but he needs to reel the fanbase back. And that could happen as soon as next Saturday when Washington hosts Michigan. A win over the Wolverines wouldn’t lessen the pain of losing to them in the National Championship game, but it would bring some smiles back to Seattle.
But if Washington loses, the fan noise will get louder, the frustrations will grow, and it will get harder and harder for Coach Fisch to win them back. Fans want to believe and he needs to give them a reason to do so in 2024.
