Demond Williams gains back Jedd Fisch’s trust after UW’s road win

LINCOLN, Neb. — Despite the quarterback not starting last Saturday’s game at Nebraska, his head coach didn’t hesitate to insert him after Washington couldn’t find a spark on offense.

Jedd Fisch thought he made the right decision when he gave Elijah Brown the start against the Huskers. After all, Demond Williams last played in the first half against Iowa, banged up his shoulder on a scramble, and later missed Washington’s win over Purdue.

However, Williams showed promise with his arm strength over the Huskies’ bye-week, and Fisch had a plan to utilize his ability if the necessary occurred. Brown never looked comfortable in the pocket, absorbed two sacks, and the Blackshirts constantly applied pressure on him. He completed 19 of his 30 passes for 136 yards, and Washington only scored three points through the first three quarters before Fisch decided to insert Williams.

It was the perfect time to do so, and Williams came into the game when the Huskies were down by four points. Fisch had confidence in the veteran gunslinger though, and expected him to rise to the occasion. Williams did just that with some clutch completions to wideout Chris Lawson on third and fourth down of Washington’s last drive of the game.

None was more important than the pass where Nebraska sent a blitz from the cornerback. Williams spotted Lawson out in one-on-one cover, delivered him a pass, and he took care of the rest with a 25-yard touchdown reception that gave the Huskies their first lead of the game. Fisch never had a doubt that Williams could deliver down the stretch, and his fourth quarter heroics gave the Huskies the confidence they needed to close out the game.

“We got the spark we wanted, we got the spark we needed, Demond Williams has been the starting quarterback here for a lot of weeks, and he is a really good player,” Fisch said. “I think maybe the last game and a half while he recovered, gave him an opportunity of insight, and boy I’m so proud of how he played.”

Washington’s defense took care of the rest after Alex McLaughlin intercepted Anthony Colanderea’s pass, and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown to give his team a double-digit lead. The Huskies took all of the air out of a sold out Memorial Stadium, and they kept the momentum until time expired.

Williams turned out to be the hero of the night with his legs, arm and leadership. The Arizona native completed seven of his 13 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Williams also led the Huskies with 28 yards on the ground. Fisch admired the way Williams handled himself,  and never panicked in times of adversity.

“Demond has been an incredible teammate, and Demond has played as hard as possible,” he said. “I’m more proud that he was able to block out the noise, and just be a good teammate.”

It definitely took some humility, mental toughness, and discipline for Williams to watch Brown lead the offense for the first 45 minutes. Regardless of the matter, Williams showed his value to the offense, never stopped the positive energy with his teammates, which made Fisch proud to be his coach.

“Look how he (Williams) handled the first three quarters, look at the smile on his face and how he was rooting for Elijah on every single down,” the 51-year old said. “So I think it’s awesome that he got this win for the team.”

Beating a solid Husker squad on the road in a hostile environment is an impressive feat. Which is why it should be a no-brainer that Fisch starts Williams when Washington resumes Big Ten play at home against Penn State. His ability to extend plays when the pocket breaks down is special, and Fisch plans on letting Williams spread his wings for the remainder of the season.

The Huskies are one win away from bowl eligibility, and Fisch is confident Williams will lead them to the promised land with his incredible skill set.

“We needed the ability that Demond has, and that’s the ability to be able to make a play.”