The Washington Huskies continued their Pac 12 Championship aspirations with a dominating win over the Arizona State Sun Devils.
The no.6 ranked University ofWashington Huskies ( 10-1, 7-1 Pac 12) overcame a sluggish first quarter from quarterback Jake Browning to crush the Arizona State Sun Devils (5-6,2-6) 44 to 18 to Saturday night at Husky Stadium.The Huskies special teams gifted the Husky offense the ball on the ASU eleven yard line after recovering a fumbled ASU punt return.
After a Myles Gaskin one yard run, quarterback Jake Browning was sacked for three yards after being indecisive while dropping back to pass. The brutal truth is that Browning froze while in the pocket and caused the sack. On the next play, Browning overthrew a wide open Lavon Coleman coming out of the backfield and the Huskies had to settle for a 30 yard Cameron Van Winkle field goal.
Brownings decision making went from questionable to downright bizarre when he was intercepted on two consecutive offensive possessions. While the Huskies offensive coaches were scratching their heads in disbelief, the Washington defense players kept their wits about them as DB Kevin King made a highlight reel interception of an ASU quarterback Manny Wilkins pass in the corner of the end zone.
The herculean effort by King had an inspirational effort on Browning as he hit Chico McClatcher on a 75 touchdown pass play on the Huskies next offensive series to give Washington a 10- lead halfway through the second half. Browning continued his inspired play as he connected with Dante Pettis on a 46-yard touchdown play and reassured everyone he was back to his old self again when he engineered a 7 play 62-yard drive in which he completed six straight passes to move the ball to the Arizona one yard. Lavon Coleman punched it in and the Huskies finished the half with a commanding 24-0 lead.
After two Cameron Van Winkle field goal from 24 and 22 yards out , ASU kicker Zane Gonzalez connected from 50 yards out for the visitors first score with 2:17 left in the 3rd quarter. While each team scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to make for an exciting end to the game although, the Huskies lead was never in doubt.
Washington will now face the Washington State Cougars in Pullman Friday for the Pac 12- title in what many are calling the biggest Apple Cup ever.
Browning completed 27 of 44 passes and finished with 338 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
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