By Khalid Bennett
The Seattle Medium
On a cold wet night under the lights, and the newly erected statue of Don James, the Huskies welcomed in an Oregon team in transition. Under new coach Willie Taggert, the Ducks looked to avenge the loss from 2016 in which Washington broke the Oregon school record for most points scored by an opposing team in Autzen Stadium, on their way to a 70-21 rout in Eugene. The last time Washington beat Oregon in Husky Stadium was all the way back in 2003.
The Husky defense gave up a field goal on the opening drive of the ball game, and then never looked back. Washington went on to score 38 unanswered points and much of the damage was done on the ground. The game really opened up in the first quarter for Washington when a 3-3 tie was broken with Dante Pettis’ 9th career punt return touchdown, this one for 64 yards, breaking the NCAA record for career punt return touchdowns. Pettis broke the Pac-12 record earlier this season and this one was his 4th punt return touchdown of the season.
“Punt returns for touchdowns are rare and I’ve had three already this year. Each week I was going into it just trying to get the best return I could,” said Pettis after the game.
The best return he could get has put him alone in the top spot in NCAA history for punt returners. Earlier in the year, Pettis was very humble about his accomplishments, stating how he doesn’t feel he’s the best ever, just fortunate to play with guys that have helped him reach the end zone untouched on so many occasions.
“If he makes the first guy miss, it’s usually a touchdown,” said Jake Browning following the game in regards to his number one receiver’s shining career moment.
Browning threw for 204 yards and two touchdowns on his way to setting a school record himself in the victory. Browning became the all-time touchdown pass leader in school history.
Myles Gaskin lead the way for Washington on the ground with 123 yards rushing on 17 carries. True freshman Salvon Ahmed had six carries for 84 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown in the third quarter which was the longest touchdown run by a Husky so far this season.
“We felt like if we could run it, numbers wise like they would, we would be in good shape” said head coach Chris Petersen.
In last week’s win over UCLA, Jake Browning only attempted 12 passes. Coach Petersen mentioned the running game being a big part of why they were able to get a few more explosive plays in the passing game including a 47-yard touchdown strike to none other than Pettis.
Washington’s defense gave up just 278 of total offense to the Ducks and held a conference opponent to under 100 yards passing for the second consecutive week allowing only 31 yards passing on Saturday. The Huskies will take their show on the road this week for a Friday night showdown with a 6-3 Stanford team, who are coming off a loss to Washington State.
