Demond Williams Jr. Expected to Start for Washington Against Penn State

Williams set to reclaim starting role

Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. is expected to return to the starting lineup for Saturday home game against Penn State. Head coach Jedd Fisch announced on Monday that the junior from Chandler, Arizona, will start if he remains free of lingering injury issues.

Williams helped Washington secure a 17-10 comeback victory over Nebraska last weekend. He came off the bench in the fourth quarter after the Huskies managed just three points through three quarters. Williams completed 7 of 13 passes for 99 yards to spark the win.

His biggest throw came on a fourth and 18 play with 1:42 remaining in the game. He completed a 24 yard pass to Chris Lawson. Two plays later, Williams connected with Lawson again on a 25 yard catch and run touchdown pass to complete the rally.

Return from injury and recent quarterback stats

Williams had been out of action since Oct. 9, when he suffered a fractured rib late in the first half of a 41-24 loss to Iowa. Before that injury, he held a 145.7 quarterback rating, which ranked 10th in the Big Ten. He threw for 69 yards and was sacked four times against Iowa before leaving the field.

Transfer quarterback Elijah Brown replaced Williams during his recovery. Brown threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa. He then started in a 38-26 victory at Purdue on Oct. 16, completing 21 of 27 passes for 302 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Brown started again against Nebraska following Washington bye week, but the offense struggled. Brown went 19 for 30 for 136 yards through three quarters before Fisch inserted Williams.

"If Demond is feeling good, I don't see why he wouldn't play and start," Fisch said. He added that the team needs to ensure Williams feels right after taking hits against Nebraska so they can build on their fourth quarter momentum.

What it means for the next game

Penn State Nittany Lions at Washington Huskies (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Washington Huskies win 49%, Penn State Nittany Lions win 51%; projected score Washington Huskies 24, Penn State Nittany Lions 21. Our safest pick: Over 34.5 points.