Fisch saw this coming

After Washington was pushed around by Penn State 22 months ago, Jedd Fisch said the Huskies needed bigger Big Ten linemen. He promised that help was coming.

“larger players were on the way”

The recruits arrived

Washington landed John Mills and Kodi Greene, two coveted linemen with major options. Greene had been committed to Oregon, and Mills to Texas.

The lanes stayed narrow

The early problem has not been size. Washington's backs have struggled to find clean running room, putting the offensive line under quick scrutiny.

“the noticeable lack of wide lanes”

The numbers are ugly

UW backs ran 21 times for 76 yards in the opener. A week later, they had the same carry count but only 49 yards.

Youth is showing

The Huskies opened with a new left tackle, new center and new right guard. Fisch has started five freshmen overall, including Greene.

“This is a very young team”

Rankings took the hit

Washington won its first two games, but not cleanly enough to hold poll voters. The Huskies slid from No. 17 to No. 19, then out of the rankings.

Center is unsettled

Sam Houston State transfer Kolt Dieterich has been learning center during fall camp while starter Landen Hatchett heals from a right wrist injury.

Right guard needed calm

Geirean Hatchett came back from a torn biceps to retake right guard. Champ Taulealea, filling in earlier, had three holding calls in his first start.

One miss wrecks it

The line's issue is collective timing. Four blockers can do their jobs, but one missed assignment or short block can close the whole play.

Technique is the fix

Fisch said the mistakes are physical fundamentals, not mental busts. He wants longer blocks, secured lanes and more energy up front.

“It's more fundamental physical decisions.”

One more rehearsal

Eastern Washington gives UW one last tune-up before Minnesota on Sept. 26. By then, the Huskies hope the Hatchetts and the rest of the line can open real holes.

“All of those things are correctable”