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As the college football season reaches its midpoint, Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch held his weekly press conference on Monday, with Christian Caple of The Athletic providing coverage. Fisch offered encouraging news on offensive lineman Landen Hatchett, indicating that the player is likely to see action in Friday night's game. Additionally, Fisch responded to recent critiques of quarterback Demond Williams, suggesting that the team may implement changes along the offensive line.
While Williams undoubtedly needs to elevate his performance, improved protection and run blocking from the offensive line would significantly aid the offense in reaching at least an average level. The Huskies have struggled this season, but there is a silver lining for fans: former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is excelling in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.
Penix has now guided high-powered offenses at both the collegiate and professional levels. According to ESPN Research, Penix's teams have averaged 33.1 points per game across his 59 starts (45 in college, 14 in the NFL). That mark stands as the highest points per game by a quarterback in his starts over the past 20 seasons, with a minimum of 40 starts and at least 10 in each category, as noted by Marc Raimondi.
In the NFL, Penix currently leads all quarterbacks in completion percentage at 73.3%, followed by Drew Lock (72.9%), Geno Smith (72.7%), Joe Burrow (71.3%), and Lamar Jackson (70.8%), per NFL stats. The presence of running back Bijan Robinson certainly helps, but Penix's return provides a dynamic passing threat to complement one of the league's top rushing attacks. Since Penix reclaimed the starting role, the Falcons' offense has been the NFL's best by a wide margin.
On the other hand, Williams has struggled with downfield passing, averaging just 7.8 air yards per touchdown throw, which is the sixth-fewest in the country. This aligns with game observations: very few explosive pass plays have resulted in scores for the Huskies. The statistic was highlighted by Tom Fornelli.
In a nostalgic nod, Tuesday also marked a throwback to a legendary football name and Husky great: Sonny Sixkiller, who quarterbacked Washington in the early 1970s and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. The memory was shared by Kevin Gallagher.
Originally reported by yahoo.