Instant reaction: 710 ESPN Seattle on Huskies’ loss in Peach Bowl

We’ve polled the voices of 710 ESPN Seattle for their instant reaction to fourth-ranked Washington’s 24-7 loss to No. 1 Alabama in the national semifinal Peach Bowl on Saturday. Here’s what they have to say:

Brock Huard of “Brock and Salk”

Washington showed today that its defense that has played together for three years was good enough to win a national championship. Unfortunately, against elite defenses this year – and versus arguably the best ‘D’ college football has seen in decades with the 2016 Crimson Tide – Washington also showed an inability to execute or produce on offense at a championship level. Furthermore, it was two turnovers in the first half that were the most devastating to the Huskies cause. All in all, what a tremendous season for Chris Petersen and his staff. The program showed the country that Washington football can go toe to toe with the best in the land. However, against a four-time champ over the last seven years, the Huskies just aren’t quite big enough, fast enough or strong enough for 60 minutes … yet.

Jim Moore of “Danny, Dave and Moore”

In spite of a dominating performance by Alabama, the Huskies hung in there because of their defense – though missed tackles hurt them throughout, specifically in the third quarter when Bo Scarbrough turned what might have been a loss of 1 into a 68-yard, game-breaking touchdown run. What hurt even more was the pick-six by Ryan Anderson near the end of the first half, giving the Crimson Tide a 17-7 lead. At that point in the game, the Huskies were in position to trail at halftime 10-7 or maybe even have a 14-10 lead, but Jake Browning made a bad throw that Alabama’s defense turned into its 12th touchdown of the season. Browning looked good early with a short passing game but had no time to do much of anything the of the way. Basically, the defense gave the Huskies a chance, but the offense never got going outside of a first quarter drive that gave the Huskies a 7-0 lead. I’m not sure if Browning could have done much better with the pressure he faced, but he looked more flustered than he should have been. He never looked very sure of himself all game long. It wasn’t like the Dawgs embarrassed themselves, but I was surprised that they scored only seven points. It’s another sign that it was a down year in the Pac-12 with the conference falling to 2-3 in bowl games and 0-5 against the spread.

Brady Henderson, 710Sports.com Editor in Chief

You figured the Huskies had to play a perfect game and hit some big plays to have any chance of winning this game. They did neither of those things. Two turnovers, including a pick-six, before the interception on the desperation heave at the end by far exceeded their margin for error. And there was absolutely nothing to be found down field as Alabama neutralized John Ross and the deep passing game that was such a strength of Washington. Not everyone will want to hear about the bigger picture right now – I don’t think the Huskies went to Atlanta seeking a moral victory – but making it to the semifinal of the College Football Playoff and giving an juggernaut like Alabama a competitive game is pretty impressive.

Mike Salk of “Brock and Salk”

Coach Peterson and his crew should hold their heads high. They had a great season and ran up against possibly the greatest college defense of all-time.

Danny O’Neil of “Danny, Dave and Moore”

The Huskies didn’t win, but they didn’t embarrass themselves. The defense was as formidable as anyone could have hoped. It was Washington’s offense that was a letdown, and not in the way that was expected. The offensive line wasn’t the problem so much as the utter inability of Washington’s playmakers to get open. At all.