The Washington Huskies picked up the biggest win of the Chris Petersen era with an impressive performance against Christian McCaffrey and the Stanford Cardinal?
On Friday night, No. 7 Stanford and No. 10 Washington faced off in a battle of Pac-12 teams at Husky Stadium. This could even be called a de facto Pac-12 North Championship game.
Washington went right after the weakened Stanford secondary, as quarterback Jake Browning hit a deep strike to Dante Pettis to get within 10 yards of the end zone. Three plays later, these two would connect again for a touchdown. However, they missed the extra point.
On the Husky’s next drive, they quickly moved down the field again with catches by Pettis and John Ross. Myles Gaskin would run the ball in for a score to make it 13-0.
Stanford also got shut down throughout the first quarter and into the second. Star running back Christian McCaffrey started with just 25 yards rushing during this time, including one catch for just two yards.
Near the end of the second quarter, Washington marched down the field for another score when Browning hit Ross for his first touchdown of the night. This took the score to 23-0 for the school in purple.
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To begin the second half, Stanford forced a three and out. On the punt return, though, the ball hit a Cardinal player looking to defend McCaffrey, causing a fumble. Washington picked it up, got a penalty on the next offensive play, and added seven more points with another Gaskin touchdown to go up 30-0.
Stanford looked like they were close to scoring their first points. McCaffrey had a long kickoff return and Ryan Burns hit a few passes. However, the front four of the Huskies charged at the senior quarterback, strip sacked him and recovered the ball. It was Stanford’s latest downfall of the evening. They did score near the end of the third quarter, however, to make it 30-6.
The fourth quarter didn’t see much action besides two more Washington touchdowns with the game already out of reach. They won the game 44-6.
Three Stars
Jake Browning, Washington – The sophomore quarterback threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns.
Myles Gaskin, Washington – Gaskin got off to a hot start and never stopped, rushing for 100 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns.
John Ross, Washington – Ross had 82 yards on four receptions to lead the Washington offense.
Highlights
"Watch: SOUND THE SIREN! Jake Browning finds Dante Pettis and UW is on the board first. #PurpleReignWatch: @espn https://t.co/jjpZ25SAZP— UW Football (@UW_Football) October 1, 2016"
"Watch: Myles Gaskin finds purple paydirt. The Huskies take a 13-0 lead in the 1Q. #PurpleReignWatch: @espn https://t.co/0OTcDjnTyA— UW Football (@UW_Football) October 1, 2016"
"Watch: TOUCHDOWN. Browning ➡️ Ross for a 19-yard touchdown. Washington leads 23-0. #PurpleReignWatch: @espn https://t.co/eR4hVpJg5N— UW Football (@UW_Football) October 1, 2016"
The Huskies are eating tonight!
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 1, 2016
Jake Browning adds another TD to give Washington a 23-0 lead over No. 7 Stanford. pic.twitter.com/669OF2F84O
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What’s Next?
Next Saturday, Washington will travel to Eugene to play the Oregon Ducks. Stanford will look to rebound off this game by going back to Palo Alto to play Washington State.