USC at Washington: Highlights, score and recap

A look at what happened in Saturday night’s game between USC and Washington.

Arguably the marquee game of the college football weekend saw No. 4 Washington host No. 20 USC. This is a Pac-12 matchup that had been anticipated for a few weeks, especially with how both teams have played.

For a majority of the first quarter, the game remained scoreless. However, about three-quarters of the way through, Washington had been able to get into field goal range. Cameron Van Winkle would convert a 43-yard field goal to make it 3-0, Huskies.

With the score at 3-3, Washington had the ball. After an odd fumble call from the referees, which got reversed, quarterback Jake Browning would throw an interception on the very next play.

On the ensuing drive, USC took the ball down the field with quarterback Sam Darnold at the helm. He stayed poised with a couple of sharp strikes to gain 10 or 15 yards at a time. Then, to score a touchdown, Darnold took his time in the pocket and waited for his receiver to get wide open in the end zone to go up, 10-3. It looked like a throw from an NFL quarterback.

The Trojans would get another successful drive, led by Darnold. They got to the five yard line and had running back Ronald Jones run for a score to make it 17-6, USC at the half.

The only third quarter points would come from Washington, but they would be key. Browning hit wide receiver for a 70-yard strike and score to make it 17-13, still USC.

This deficit wouldn’t last too long as Clay Helton’s team opened it up in the opening minutes of the fourth. The Trojan offense had yet another strong drive, which resulted in the second touchdown pass from Darnold and make the score, 24-13.

In the fourth quarter, Washington attempted to drive down field, but Browning quickly threw an interception. The Trojans took over the ball and tried to finish off the game, but the Huskies got one last chance. However, when attempting a pass, Browning fell down in the end zone and ended up getting called for a safety. This made it, 26-13 to close the game.

Three Stars

Adoree Jackson, USC – Jackson dominated in the secondary for the Trojans. He picked off two passes and locked down top receiver Dante Pettis.

John Ross, Washington – Ross had eight receptions for 154 yards and one touchdown in the loss.

Sam Darnold, USC – Despite throwing two picks, Darnold looked outstanding for the Trojans. He stayed cool in the pocket and delivered from terrific throws to help lead his team to the upset win.

Highlights

"Not many people have picked Jake Browning off this season. @AdoreeKnows is one of them. #FightOn #BeatTheHuskies https://t.co/jqSJ5VZjjf— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 13, 2016"

"USC 10, UW 3.Trojans take the lead on a @DROG_UNO TD. Sam Darnold showing poise early!#FightOn #BeatTheHuskies https://t.co/cPAz6X0onr— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 13, 2016"

"USC 17, UW 6.@RonaldJones25 extends the Trojans’ lead just before halftime!#FightOn #BeatTheHuskies https://t.co/OUShObGELu— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 13, 2016"

"TAYLOR RAPP! 💯Rapp with another interception for Washington! Watch all the action on FOX. https://t.co/jhsmoa1fqG— UW Football (@UW_Football) November 13, 2016"

"USC 24, UW 13.Darnold has 255 yards and 2 TD to keep the Trojans ahead in the fourth!#FightOn #BeatTheHuskies https://t.co/4XSu2ugBTM— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 13, 2016"

Next: 20 Greatest College Running Backs In The Modern Era

What’s Next?

Next Saturday, USC will battle their rivals at UCLA. Washington will stay at home to host Arizona State.