Huskies’ rally falls short at Boise State

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Friday, September 4, 2015 11:33pm
  • SportsSports

BOISE, Idaho — Their defense gave them a chance.

Their special teams gave them a spark.

Their offense, led by true freshman quarterback Jake Browning and an inexperienced offensive line, gave them nearly nothing.

And while the Washington Huskies made this season opener at Boise State more interesting than it might have appeared at halftime, they still left Albertsons Stadium in the same fashion as most Broncos opponents.

They lost.

In coach Chris Petersen’s return to Boise, against the program he coached to 92 victories in eight seasons, the Huskies showed that Year 2 of their own Petersen era is unlikely to yield such greatness in a 16-13 loss before a crowd of 36,836.

The Huskies (0-1) did drive to Boise State’s 19-yard line in the final minute with a chance to tie the game, but Cameron Van Winkle missed a 46-yard field-goal try with 21 seconds to play.

The Boise faithful cheered for their former coach here on Friday night, and why not? Petersen did for Boise State what no other coach ever had.

So the mood was not bitter when Petersen walked onto that blue turf an hour before kickoff. Instead, the fans welcomed him with a warm ovation — not thunderous, certainly, any wounds opened by Petersen’s departure apparently healed.

If they knew what his team would play like in the first half, they might have cheered even louder.

Boise State gashed the middle of the Huskies’ young defensive front with 32 rushes for 152 yards in the first two quarters, including a pair of touchdown runs by Jeremy McNichols that helped BSU to a 16-0 halftime lead.

Considering that at that point, the Broncos were outgaining UW 254-56 and the Huskies had achieved just four first downs — their offense again looked boring and stagnant and inert, all adjectives appropriately applied to last season’s outfit, too — the Huskies were lucky to even be within two scores.

They got on the board with a Cameron Van Winkle field goal in the third quarter. Then their special-teams changed the complexion of the game.

After UW’s defense forced BSU to go three-and-out late in the third quarter — Boise State totaled just 83 yards in the second half and did not score — Huskies receiver Dante Pettis returned the ensuing punt 76 yards for a touchdown to cut the Broncos’ lead to 16-10.

And when Jaydon Mickens blocked a Boise State punt with a little less than 10 minutes remaining, the Huskies had the ball at BSU’s 27-yard line with a chance to score a touchdown and take the lead. But drive stalled and they settled for a field goal.

The final drive of the game was the most frustrating for UW. After Browning completed a pass for a first down to Dante Pettis at BSU’s 19-yard line, the Huskies were backed up by a holding call, then backed up again by a sack of Browning that put the ball at BSU’s 37.

Browning, who completed 20-of-35 passes for 150 yards and an interception, threw a screen pass to Dwayne Washington that gained eight yards to the Broncos’ 29, close enough for Van Winkle to try to tie the game.

But he missed, and Petersen left this stadium in a fashion to which he is not accustomed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.