By Khalid Bennett, The Seattle Medium
On a smoky afternoon in the Pacific Northwest, the FCS division Portland State Vikings (0-1) came into Montlake to tangle with the University of Washington Huskies in their second non-conference match-up of the season.
Coming off his first win as a Husky last week over Kent State, first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer was looking to carry the momentum into this week and continue to rebuild a once dominant program at the University of Washington. However, DeBoer didn’t come empty handed, bringing along a number of transfers including quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. and running back Wayne Taulapapa. Both players have been named captains in just their first season at Washington and both would provide an immediate impact in their win over Kent State. Taulapapa scored the first touchdown of the Kalen DeBoer era and Penix threw for 4 touchdowns in his debut as the Huskies’ new signal caller. The defense which was highlighted by 2 interceptions by Asa Turner against Kent State, looked to clean up some tackling issues from last week and outside of a big pass play given up in the second quarter, played solid throughout the game. Portland State coming off a loss, has not had a winning season since 2015. Head coach Bruce Barnum took over for former Washington defensive back Nigel Burton and is in his 8th year coaching the Vikings.
The first half was all Washington, all day. The Huskies scored on all but one possession in the first 30 minutes of play including a 99-yard drive, a feat that has only been done three times in school history.
Sophomore running back Cameron Davis scored first on an 8-yard touchdown run. Penix continued to play the quarterback position like a point guard, distributing the ball to multiple targets across the field throughout the half. Ja’Lynn Polk scored on a 12-yard pass from Penix, Jaylen McMillen hauled in an 84-yard touchdown catch, Taulapapa scored on a 6-yard touchdown run and Peyton Henry added a field goal as the Dawgs took a 31-3 lead into halftime. The only first half blemish for Penix was an interception late in the second quarter. Other than that, he played very well as he found seven different targets and had almost 300 yards passing in the first half to go with his two touchdowns.
Washington scored quickly to start the third quarter making the score 38-3 and again after a Portland State field goal giving the Huskies a 45-6 lead to end the third quarter. This was the opportunity coach DeBoer used to test out the depth in his new program. Familiar faces and names such as quarterbacks Dylan Morris and Sam Huard, as well as running back Richard Newton came in the game for useful and extended playing time. Washington would add another touchdown run by Denzel Boston with Huard under center.
The final score was 52-6 as the Huskies rolled to their second win of the season. Michael Penix, Jr. finished the game with 337 yards passing with two touchdowns and one interception, with Jaylen McMillen and junior receiver Giles Jackson both going for over 100 yards receiving. This was the first time that two receivers went for over 100 yards since 2016.
Washington will prepare this week to face 14th– ranked Michigan State next Saturday which should serve as their most difficult test before diving into conference play against Stanford in two weeks.
Husky receiver Giles Jackson, who previously played for the University of Michigan, is excited to play his former Big 10 rival.
“The last time I played Michigan State we lost. So, I’m ready to get my get back,” he said after the game.
Michael Penix emphasized that to him “it’s just another football game” and with everyone in the program staying the course of preparation and attention to detail “we should be able to beat whoever lines up against us.”
Coach DeBoer is confident that his team will be ready for the task next week, but still acknowledges that there is more work to do.
“There’s always things we can clean up,” said DeBoer. “It’ll probably be like that every game.”
“We got to put together a complete game,” he added. “I’m looking forward to seeing the energy we have for next week.”
Saturday will be the first time Washington has hosted a ranked opponent since 2010 when the Huskies faced Nebraska.
