While it took a wide right missed field goal by Oregon Duck placekicker Camden Lewis to secure the Huskies’ 36-33 victory over the Ducks, the win was earned and deserved. Speaking of accolades, credit both teams for living up to the pregame billing. Much of the pregame hype goes to ESPN’s Game Day all the credit goes to the No. 7 Huskies and No.8 Ducks setting the stage for a colossal match-up.
OFFENSE FIREWORKS
What made Saturday’s encounter before a sold-out Husky Stadium was explosive play by both offenses. Oregon quarterback Bo Nix led the Ducks attack completing 33 of 44 passes for 337 yards and two touchdowns. Nix also ran for 24 yards on 7 carries. Those numbers were impressive but short of Michael Penix Jr.’s numbers. Penix Jr completed 22 of 37 passes for 302 yards four touchdowns and one sack. Penix Jr.’s 18-yard touchdown pass to Rome Odunze with 1:42 gave the Huskies the lead and gave Penix Jr. a Heisman Trophy moment. The Huskies never looked back after the game-winning toss by Odunze. Odunze made his case for the best receiver in college football 8 receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns. For the season Odunze has 737 receiving yards and six touchdowns
DEFENSES ADJUST
The Washington defense stopped the Ducks on 4th down just before to start what became a defensive game in the second half
After scoring a combined 40 points in the first half and Washington holding a 22-18 point lead both defenses stiffened up in the second half. A Micheal Penix Jr touchdown pass to Rome Odunze gave the Huskies an 11-point lead. That lead looked insurmountable when the Duck’s next offensive drive stalled at the Husky’s 8-yard line. A Washington three-and-out was followed by an Oregon touchdown and a successful try saw the Ducks climb within three at 26-29.
LATE DRAMA
A three-and-out offensive possession by the Huskies opened the door for the Ducks to take the lead on the ensuing possession. Jordan James’s 10-yard run gave the Ducks a 33-29 lead but that would be all the scoring for the Ducks. Unable to convert a 4th and one from the Duck’s one-yard line the Husky offense gave the ball back to the Ducks. The Husky’s defense made a stand and forced a Nix incomplete pass on fourth and three at its 47-yard line.
It took all of two plays for the Huskies to take the lead for good. Penix Jr.’s 18-yard pass to Odunze sent Husky stadium into euphoria. Lewis’s missed fg began the Purple Reing celebrations that lasted through the nite.
