Washington and Utah squared off in one of the biggest Pac-12 games of the season.
Washington and Utah are arguably the top two teams of the Pac-12. They came into Saturday at No. 4 and No. 17, respectively, so plenty had been on the line.
The first score of the game would go to the Huskies. Running back Myles Gaskin received a handoff from the 12-yard line and took the ball into the end zone. This put Washington up, 7-0 after a mostly quiet first quarter from both teams.
On their next drive, the Dawgs started from their own five-yard line. They used a bit of trickery for a long 38-yard pass play to Darrell Daniels, which set up a score for fellow wide receiver John Ross. The lead would increase to 14-0.
Utah would finally get a long possession in toward the end of the second quarter. They would reach the red zone, but for some reason, head coach Kyle Whittingham refused to give star running back Joe Williams the ball. It would take a handful of plays, but the senior would get the ball and score immediately to bring it to 14-7, Washington. They capitalized off a Jake Browning interception, just his third of the season.
To begin the third quarter, Utah came out firing and saw Troy Williams hit Sioasi Wilson for a score to make it, 17-14. Washington immediately answered with a quick drive and score, though, from Browning to Ross for their second connection.
Later on, Utah would score again with a touchdown catch for Evan Moeai to make it 24-24.
The turning point of the game would come during a punt return. After dancing around and avoiding being tackled deep in his own area, Washington’s Dante Pettis took off for a 58-yard touchdown. This put them up, 31-24 with just minutes remaining.
Utah received one last chance to extend the game, but failed to convert a 4th-and-15. This led to Washington winning, 31-24, and remaining undefeated.
Three Stars
Joe Williams, Utah – 172 more yards from the senior running back will make him question why he retired in the first place.
Myles Gaskin, Washington – Gaskin had a solid performance with 151 yards on 19 carries for one touchdown.
Dante Pettis, Washington – The punt return was all Pettis needed to be a top star of Saturday’s game.
Highlights
"TOUCHDOWN! Myles Gaskin with a 10-yard TD rush. UW up 7-0 with 1:05 left in the 1Q. #PurpleReign 🏈Watch: @FS1 https://t.co/3RrLmrcvsY— UW Football (@UW_Football) October 29, 2016"
"Jake Browning finds John Ross for a 16-yard TD. UW leads 14-0 with 11:26 left in the 2Q. #PurpleReignWatch: @FS1 https://t.co/gNQbHrBm4G— UW Football (@UW_Football) October 29, 2016"
"Game on! Watch now on FS1! #goutes #UWvsUTAH https://t.co/EtqDyDou2m— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) October 29, 2016"
"Touchdown! Browning finds Ross in the end zone for the second time today. UW leads 21-17. #PurpleReignWatch: @FS1 https://t.co/Yra5C21S51— UW Football (@UW_Football) October 29, 2016"
"DANTE PETTIS! 🔥🔥🔥Pettis runs it back 58-yards for a Washington touchdown. #PurpleReignWatch: @FS1 https://t.co/Wkl8LWbQfI— UW Football (@UW_Football) October 29, 2016"
More fansided.com: 50 Greatest College Football Rivalries of All-Time
What’s Next?
On November 5, Washington will continue to travel by facing California. Utah will have a bye next week and play Arizona afterward.