The University of Washington Huskies suffered a huge blow to their dreams of participating in the national championship playoffs, as the USC Trojans handed the 4th ranked Huskies their first loss of the season, 26-13, at Husky Stadium Saturday night.
USC quarterback Sam Darnold completed 23 of 33 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns as the Trojans amassed 400 yards of offense, including 113 yards on the ground, against the Husky defense which is regarded as one of the best in the country.
Husky quarterback and Heisman Trophy Candidate, Jake Browning, had one of his worst days as a Husky completing 17 of 36 passes for 259 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and was sacked three times. Browning’s lone touchdown came on a 70-yard touchdown pass to receiver John Ross midway through the third quarter. Ross finished with the day with eight catches for 154 yards.
“He [Browning] was under a lot of pressure,” said Husky head coach Chris Petersen. “I think when we can’t run the ball like we liked too, the stats are probably a little misleading with the sacks, but we certainly didn’t get into a rhythm.”
“In this league you have to have your fastball going each week or you’ll get knocked off,” added Petersen.
The big story of the game was USC’s run defense. The Trojans gave up only 17 yards rushing. The Huskies came into the game leading the Pac-12 in rushing averaging 231 yards per game.
“They are a big, physical defense,” said Petersen. “They were defeating blocks…They did a good job playing soft enough on the back end to keep things in front of them.”
The good thing for the Huskies is that both Clemson and Michigan, who were ahead of them in the polls, lost on Saturday as well. However, the Huskies strength of schedule could be an issue in their quest to make the playoffs.
The Huskies hope to regroup this week in their final home game against Arizona State.
Pictorial Highlights of the Huskies vs USC
Photos/Aaron Allen
