There weren't many positives from Washington's 28-25 loss to Penn State last Saturday, but the return of a key offensive weapon was a silver lining amid a streaky offensive performance. Despite being on a snap restriction, running back Jayden Limar had his best showing yet in purple and gold, leading Jedd Fisch's team in rushing with nine carries for 66 yards.

The Oregon transfer has missed most of the season with an elbow injury he suffered in Week One against Washington State, as one of three Washington running backs to miss significant time this season, alongside junior Jordan Washington and sophomore Quaid Carr. After a quiet performance in his first game back against Nebraska, Limar led the Huskies' rushing attack in spite of the fact that he didn't take a carry after the 7:09 mark in the second quarter.

"He had 26 plays, I believe, in the game," Fisch said on Monday. "I think we probably will be able to get it closer to 40, if we want to. I don't think Jonah (Coleman) played many more snaps than 40 as a running back, so, if we can be at that 35 to 40 number this week, pretty comfortable with that. Each week we've moved him up; he was at 20 his first game back, under 30 the second game back, and probably under 35 or 40."

Out of Washington's five first-half possessions, just two weren't three-and-outs. On the opening drive, Limar was responsible for 36 of the 65 yards gained, helping the Huskies jump out to an early 3-0 lead. After not getting a touch for the next three possessions, the veteran ball carrier picked up right where he left off with 41 of the Huskies' 62 yards on their next scoring drive, including an 11-yard reception. His 66 yards helped lead the offense to its third-highest rushing total of the season with 134.

However, that was about all the action the Lake Stevens saw for the day. After an impressive first half, the former Duck had just one touch in the second half, coming on a reception for no gain. Whether it was the fact that he reached his snap count or that UW was down 28-6 to start the second half, Limar was a non-factor in the Huskies' second-half comeback attempt.

Fortunately for Fisch, it appears that handicapping one of his most experienced running backs won't be an issue moving forward.

While the Husky offense is far from perfect, the uptick in production out of the backfield is a promising sign moving forward. With an upcoming matchup against a Spartans defense that allows 142 rushing yards per game, this week provides an opportunity for Limar and company to build on the flashes of efficiency seen last weekend in the losing effort.