All of the momentum Washington built up in losses to Stanford and Oregon was blown away in the desert wind in a crushing 53-24 loss at Arizona State.
The Huskies were blown off the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in a fashion that resembled the stupefying Tyrone Willingham era that head coach Steve Sarkisian has been digging out of for the past five season. Running back Bishop Sankey was held to 22 yards on 13 carries, his lowest output since managing 16 yards on eight attempts against a ferocious LSU defense last September.
His Sun Devils counterpart, Marion Grice, continued to add to his prolific scoring pace with two touchdown runs and one touchdown catch. Grice now has 18 trips to the end zone this season (12 rushing, six receiving), increasing his FBS-best points per game output.
Grice rushed for 158 of ASU's 314 yards. All seven of its ballcarriers outgained UW on the ground, including wide receiver Cameron Smith, who lost four yards on his only carry. Finishing with minus-5 yards on 25 carries, it was the worst rushing performance for UW since 2002 and tied for the fifth-worst in school history.
"That was embarrassing," Sarkisian told the Seattle Times, noting his team looked tired and emotionally drained.
Quarterback Keith Price (16-of-39 passing for 217 yards, two touchdowns) was sacked six times and needed X-rays during the game on his previously injured thumb.
But that's nothing compared to the bruised and battered psyche UW will have to overcome to try and salvage its season.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
