Week One is in the books for college football, at least here in Washington. Most times, you can say "well, it's week one" and not put a ton of stock into the results of those first games.
But there were some incredible outcomes that shocked fans all over state. None more than--
Washington's wicked loss to Montana
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Washington's 13-7 loss to non-FBS school Montana was the first time a PAC-12 team was held below ten points by an FCS school since 1985. (Oregon State lost to Grambling 23-6)
Ouch.
It's a stark reminder of the parity in college football, yet, a stinging loss for Husky fans.
Looking at the returning players, the overall talent it was in no way outlandish to pick the Huskies to win the PAC-12 and maybe even do more than that on the national stage.
The PAC-12 goals are technically still there, but the loss to Montana was unexpected and difficult to take.
Incumbent starting quarterback Dylan Morris threw for 226 yards--- but three interceptions including one that effectively ended the Huskies chances were eye-popping. Montana never turned the ball over.
The Grizzlies also doubled UW's rushing output.
It showed some major issues, ones that I'm sure Jimmy Lake is already working on correcting and hoping that the return of three receivers that missed the opener will help.
Will we see a rejuvenated Huskies team against Michigan?
That's the question that could tell us the story of the rest of the season
The game with the Wolverines can be watched on KOMO at 5:00 p.m.
Eastern Washington gives our state an FCS win
While the Huskies were upset by the so-called "lower tier" team in the college football world, it was the Eastern Washington Eagles giving our state a win in that category.
Eastern Washington stopped FBS level opponent UNLV 35-33 on Thursday night in overtime, a huge way to start their season.
Eric Barriere threw for 374 yards with three touchdowns and two picks. As we saw with UW, an FCS team beating an FBS team can cause an uproar, at least in this game it was the team from the Evergreen State coming out on top.
The Eagles are back in Cheney for their sea of red field when they host Central Washington next weekend.
The Cougs fall apart at the end
A loss is a loss, but it's a solid debate as to which manner of losing was more difficult to take---the lack of luster from UW or losing a healthy late lead like Washington State did.
The Cougs led Utah State 23-11 with less than six minutes to play. Things looked great, including a marquee play from Max Borghi who broke off a 64-yard touchdown run.
Yet, they lost 26-23. The Aggies used a methodical 14-play 70 yard drive to cut WSU's lead to 23-18, before scoring the game-winning touchdown and 2-point conversion.
Oof.
Here's the other part of that equation, Nick Rolovich made waves this offseason with his COVID-19 vaccine status. Winning shouldn't be part of the equation there but the reality in all of college sports is that it can change the outcome of situations.
But a loss? That may just any of the arguments against him even louder.
The Cougs host Portland State next Saturday at 3:00 p.m.