The Washington Huskies took care of business in Palo Alto Saturday afternoon/evening beating Stanford 42-33. Coming in as heavy favorites, Washington ended up in a dog fight with the two-win Cardinal. Washington was in control for most of the game and never trailed.

Even so, no one came out of the game feeling like the overall execution was anywhere near where it needed to be at this point in the season.

Quarterback: This was supposed to be a get-right game for Michael Penix after a tough performance against ASU instead turned into a get-healthy afternoon.  Penix looked sick with glassy eyes in his press conference after the game as Penix talked about having to fight through the first half.

With all that said his stat line was very solid throwing for 369 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a pick (which should have been defensive pass interference).

Even so there were some missed throws that he will normally make and will need to make the rest of the way to attain the lofty goals of the team.  Another week of feeling better should put him in the best position he has been in since Oregon.

Grade: B-

—

Receivers: The position was a mixed bag on Saturday with some big plays and some big mistakes. The good was the second longest touchdown reception in Husky history when Penix hit Ja’Lynn Polk deep for a 92 yard touchdown.  Polk fought through a pass-interference; he finished with 148 yards.

Rome Odunze continues to shine with 89 yards and a spinning back shoulder touchdown. The bad came in the form of drops. Both Odunze and Polk had rare drops and Odunze lost a fumble that would have put Washington up multiple scores.

Grade: C+

—

Tight Ends: Yet again the tight ends save the day. Both Jack Westover and Devin Culp came though with touchdowns. Westover’s touchdown came on the first score of the game came on the ground in his natural position as H-back.

Culp punished the Cardinal defense with three catches for 55 yards and a late score. The tight ends continue to help in the blocking game.

Grade: A

—

Running Backs: Dillon Johnson continues to make something out of nothing at times in the run game. He was decisive with the ball in his hands all afternoon.

He averaged almost five yards a carry and secured the win with a late touchdown. One concerning theme is the case of Will Nixon. In both of the last two weeks he has gotten one carry and ran well.

I thought last week his running style would fit the game plan against ASU as he thrives on the outside away from the pressure the Sun Devils brought, but yet again he gains six yards and wasn’t given another handoff.

Overall if this room continues to compliment the passing game we will chalk it up to a success.

Grade: B

—

Offensive Line: Welcome back Julius Buelow. The right guard was back and worked some rust off. This tune up game for the O-line was needed going into the final month of the season.

The O-line gave up one sack and made some holes for the running backs. While scoring 42 points makes everything look a little better, there is still more this line could produce.

Look to see Buelow shake off the rust and be dangerous in the running game next week.

Grade: B+