Washington Huskies Football: Report Card Grades After Win over Utah Utes

Dawg fans were stunned last Saturday when a completely unrecognizable Husky squad took control of Rice-Eccles.

In a sea of red, the Huskies dominated the field, particularly in the second half of the game.

With an overall record of 4-1, 2-0 in conference play, the Dawgs are looking to make some noise in the Pac-12 North.

Quarterback: A

Yet another heroic display of courage and competency from QB Keith Price at Rice-Eccles last Saturday.

With a great command of the field and a dynamic pass/run attack, Price walked all over the Utes defense throwing three touchdown passes during the course of the game.

Battling through an obviously painful knee injury, Price proved if you have the guts and determination, it doesn’t matter where you play.

Running Backs: A

RB Chris Polk had another beastly performance rushing for 189 yards, surpassing 3,000 in his career.

If he keeps this up he very well could be looking at a Heisman nomination.

Receivers: A

The receiving line looked like they had dipped their hands in tacky glue on Saturday, with outstanding displays from Austin Sefarian-Jenkins and Jermaine Kearse.

The squad landed an impressive 22 receptions in the game against a relatively flat Utah defense.

O-Line: A-

Overall a pretty solid performance for the O-line with a few stumbles here and there.

A personal foul on senior Drew Schaefer, and a total loss of eight yards in the game, the O-line has a few kinks to work through but nothing the boys can't handle.

D-line: A

This was a completely reformed squad as of Saturday.

Practically stuffing the Utes' running game, the Dawgs provided great pressure and forced a few fumbles, it finally looks like Defensive Coordinator Nick Holt's rising blood pressure has inspired his players.

Linebackers: B+

Cort Dennison once again gave a stellar performance despite playing in his own hometown.

Not to mention the touchdown scamper Jamaal Kearse made in the first few seconds of the game.

Dawg fans better have their fingers crossed that this is the new face of the Husky defense...I know I do.

Secondary: C

The Husky secondary is finally out of the dog-house after providing decent pass coverage and snatching two interceptions in the game.

Both CB Gregory Ducre and SS Sean Parker made momentum changing interceptions that helped put the Dawgs on top for the rest of the game.

Special teams: A-

Once again Erik Folk delivered on a 44-yard field goal, in less than ideal position.

Combined with great punt return defense, special teams made a sizable contribution to this win.

Coaching: A

It takes a pretty impressive coaching staff to pull off what the Huskies did last game.

Coming off a nail-bitter victory over Cal just a week before then going on the road, it would have been easy for the Dawgs to slip-up in Utah.

I will say that I didn't agree with keeping the injured Keith Price on the field towards the end of the game, but overall, a solid coaching front.

Intangibles: A+

How could I NOT give this one an A+?

Going on the road is hard enough, but heading to a new stadium and playing a team that the Huskies haven't played since 1979?

That's just crazy.

The fired up squad gets an A+ and a whole lot of respect from me.

Overall Grade: A-

Now I know that a lot of these grades may seem high, and honestly I'm not usually the one to hand out A's, but the Husky squad I watched last Saturday is more than deserving.

And with this kind of team...here's lookin' at you Colorado!