Thank god for the Lake Washington breeze. A gust of wind, however modest, may have been the difference as the game tying field goal was inches right for Oregon and the Huskies held up for the 36-33 victory. With the big win the Huskies now have one of the best resumes of any team in the nation. But what did we learn about the team that came out on top?
Penix: I’ve run out of titles for this section. Michael Penix is him. He is that guy. He is him and he is the Heisman favorite. He had 302 yards and 4 touchdowns on 22 total completions. When the Huskies needed him most where was he? Standing in the pocket and delivering first to Ja’Lynn Polk for 35 yards and then 18 yards to Rome Odunze in the end zone. Taking only two plays and covering 53 yards in the biggest moment of the season. He is the best in the country.
At this point there is no argument against it. There is no stat or eye test in the land that says anything besides Penix4Heisman. I’ve said it all and I’ll say it all again he hit everything, the downfield bombs where there, the smart check down throws where there. In the game where he looked maybe the most uncomfortable we’ve seen him Penix was nothing short of dominant, and when the lights where brightest, an the whole country was watching he was the one to get it done.
Huskies Won the Arms Race: While Troy Franklin had a day it wasn’t the same as the UW day. Three players had over 100 yards of offense. Receivers Odunze led UW128 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, Ja’Lynn Polk chipped in 118 yards and a score, and running back Dillon Johnson rushed for 100 yards on the plus a score, and had 10 yards in the air.
And welcome back Giles Jackson. Scoring the opening touchdown in his first game back. This Husky crew proved that no one can hang with them. The talent and depth on this roster is beyond comparable. No matter who you bring nobody is topping the Huskies at the skills positions.
The Defense Was Human: A very good offense showed the issues this defense has. The defensive line, while generating some pressure, including a couple big ones to hold Oregon from getting a better field goal. Didn’t get the sacks they so desperately want.
With all that talent on the front you have to hope they get it figured out. USC is not going to be any easier, and Caleb Williams is a different breed of QB. The secondary also got cut up today. Whether that’s on them or the lack of help can be up for discussion. But no turnovers, and only three passes defended was not the level that we have seen from them in the past.
However, the defense held on 3 fourth downs and forced the missed game-tying field goal as time expired. In fact, the defense held Oregon scoreless in the final 13 minutes.
The Big Uglies: Once. That’s how many times Michael Penix was sacked Saturday. One whole time-by one of college football’s top defenses. And throw in a 100 yard rushing day from Dillon Johnson these linemen deserve credit. They showed up big time against a top opponent.
A young and under-experienced group has stepped up in a huge way. They are protecting the nation’s best QB and allowing this offense to thrive despite missing several would-be starters. They have stopped everything thrown their way. Paving the way for UW to a Top 5 team in the nation.
Seattle Won the Game: Talk about home field advantage. The Husky crowd showed up in force today. Averaging about 125 decibels during the course of the game. With a packed house the Huskies forced five penalties on the Oregon offense.
The UW crowd may have made the difference in a narrow win, but the real MVP was the wind off the lake. Forcing the field goal wise to the right, and the Huskies into the win column. It will likely be the 3rd loudest stadium ever recorded with a 131 decibel recorded. Overheard on the field after the game was a Washington defender crediting Husky Stadium with the 3 fourth-down stops.
