3 Takeaways From Washington Huskies 48-16 Win Against Eastern Washington Eagles

SEATTLE — The Washington Huskies football team got through its three-game nonconference schedule undefeated after a 48-16 win against the Eastern Washington Eagles on Saturday at Husky Stadium.

The Huskies, after struggles on the offense through the first two weeks of the regular season against Pac-12 foes Washington State and Utah State, put together their best offensive showing against the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Eagles.

It was an encouraging sign Washington's offense was able to dominate against lower-level opponents after two weeks where it failed to do so, but there are still things to improve upon as the team will now go into its Big Ten schedule.

Here's three takeaways from the Huskies win against EWU:

In the first "start" of his college career (at least officially listed on the depth chart), first-year running back Brian Bonner showed flashes of the talent that made him a top-end recruit in the Class of 2026.

Bonner carried the ball six times for 81 yards, which included a 55-yard rush. He also nearly broke off a longer run after attempting a hurdle in the second half, but was barely brought down when the defender caught his ankle in the air.

Week 1's starter, second-year Quaid Carr and fourth-year Jayden Limar, will both be out for significant time. Third-year running back Jordan Washington, who entered the offseason as the assumptive starter, suffered a neck injury but could return at some point this season.

Until Washington makes his potential return, it will be on Bonner to carry the load in the backfield. Saturday was the first side that he has the potential ability to do so.

With all the caveats that Saturday was against FCS competition, the wide receivers put together it's best combination of performances.

Fourth-year wide receiver Rashid Williams, who entered game-week with his status for Saturday uncertain due to an oblique injury, pulled in six catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns, including a one-handed grab.

Second-year wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck pulled in nine catches for 121 yards, second-year wide receiver Chris Lawson had a 15-yard touchdown reception and true freshmen wide receivers Trez Davis and Jordan Clay both scored.

Clay and Davis' first respective career touchdowns came a week after both finished with over 40 yards receiving.

Williams' continued health will be paramount for the wide room to remain successful, but it was a good sign that a variety of pass-catchers were able to contribute.

Penalties have been a consistent problem for UW through the first three weeks of the season. Saturday, the Huskies committed eight penalties for 101 yards. The first six penalties were committed by the defense and resulted in ejections for fourth-year edge rusher Jacob Lane and fourth-year edge rusher Xe'ree Alexander.

Through the first three games of the season, UW has committed 8.7 penalties totaling 91.7 yards.

The yardage lost and drives continued with those penalties will matter more in Big Ten play, and it's important those issues resolve sooner rather than later.