​| Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Tony Siracusa, CFB Managing EditorWashington’s weaknesses continued to show themselves in its 27-24 loss against Minnesota. The Big Ten opener was an opportunity for each program to learn more about themselves against Power competition. For Washington, it learned its offensive line not ready to compete with the physicality of a Big Ten front seven. It also learned a lesson regarding game management late in what became a close game with only minutes to play.Washington Woes ContinueQuick Hitting GophersNot only did the Husky defensive line fail to get pressure on the quarterback with just a 13% havoc rate, but Drake Lindsey did not allow it. The Minnesota quarterback was decisive and quick with his passing. He showed no hesitation in his delivery and picked apart Ryan Walters’ defense early in this game. Lindsey did so with quick screen passes and lateral passing action to force the defense to defend the width of the field. Ten of Lindsey’s first 16 passes in the game went for less than 10 yards. It was these quick passing concepts that stressed a depleted secondary for Washington and ultimately wore it out.Lindsey began the game 15 of 16 with 125 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in the first half alone. The first of which was a one-play, 15-yard passing touchdown after a Demond Williams interception. But the next two Gopher offensive drives stretched 75 yards and combined for over 10 minutes of possession.Elias Johnson started the game in place of Emmanuel Karnley, who was a game-time decision. In his absence, Johnson was the subject of Lindsey and the Gopher offense’s attack early in the game. The first two of Lindsey’s passing touchdowns targeted Johnson, who was beat by Quayd Hendrix and Jalen Smith, respectively. As the game progressed, the defense shifted Jeron Jones to the outside and placed Ramonz Adams Jr. in at nickel to try and shore up its coverage. Defensive back Rahshawn Clark was also limited in this game. In the week leading up to the contest, Clark was listed as “questionable.” That was elevated to “game-time decision” before kickoff, and he did return kickoffs and punts. However, Clark did not line up on defense at all. He was only out there on special teams. On a first-half kickoff return, he looked healthy as he took it 23 yards to the near side before lowering his shoulder into the defender at the sideline. After the game, Jedd Fisch did not provide much insight as to why Clark was only able to go on special teams. He did, however, confirm that both Clark and Karnley will be available to play against USC next week.Photo courtesy: Richard Dizon-Imagn ImagesOffensive Line StrugglesIt’s easy to point the finger at a young and inexperienced running back rotation as the reason for the lack of a run game. Against Minnesota, Washington averaged a sack-adjusted 3.7 yards per rush. If you remove Williams’ quarterback run game from the equation, however, the running backs