Jedd Fisch has consistently emphasized that improvement is crucial for the Washington football team. Despite a dominant season opener against FCS opponent Weber State, where the Huskies secured a decisive victory, Fisch acknowledges that there are still areas needing refinement.
Fisch has identified several key aspects for improvement. He wants the team to start games more effectively on both offense and defense. Special teams also need attention, as evidenced by a misplayed snap that was recovered by punter Jack McCallister. Fisch is focused on correcting such mistakes, including avoiding penalties like the holding call that nullified a touchdown. He emphasized the need to capitalize on opening drives to secure early points.
During Monday’s media availability at Husky Stadium, Fisch turned his attention to the upcoming matchup against Eastern Michigan, scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff. He noted that Eastern Michigan, coached by Chris Creighton, has built a reputation as a formidable Group of Five team, having defeated notable opponents like Rutgers, Purdue, Illinois, and Arizona State in recent years. Fisch highlighted that the tight end position could be crucial against a physically tough team like Eastern Michigan.
The health of starting tight end Quentin Moore is a concern for Fisch, as Moore left the Weber State game with a leg or knee injury. Fisch is optimistic about Moore’s recovery, suggesting that he might miss only a few weeks. Moore’s potential return would be a significant boost, given that the Huskies are already dealing with a depleted tight end roster. Freshman Charlie Crowell’s season-ending knee injury has left Washington with just two scholarship tight ends: senior Keleki Latu and freshman Decker DeGraaf. Fisch indicated that if Moore is unavailable, walk-on tight end Owen Coutts will step in as the third tight end, although Coutts is fully healthy after a hamstring injury during fall camp.
Fisch expressed confidence in the tight end group, regardless of Moore’s availability. He praised Latu for his strong blocking performance against Weber State and acknowledged DeGraaf’s potential, noting that there were missed opportunities to get him the ball. Fisch is excited about DeGraaf’s development and looks forward to seeing him make more significant contributions as the season progresses.
Additional notes include Fisch’s update on junior edge rusher Russell Davis II, who is on a similar recovery timeline as Otton and might return by the Michigan game on October 5. Fisch also mentioned that rotating the offensive line during the Weber State game was part of the strategy to provide valuable game repetitions for both starters and reserves.
