7 takeaways from Washington Huskies 49-39 win over Arizona
The Washington Huskies advanced to 5-2 in 2022 with a 49-39 shootout win over Arizona. Here are our seven big takeaways.
The Washington Huskies won their fifth game of the season with a 49-39 victory over Arizona. All five of this year’s “W’s” have been at Husky Stadium, and this one ended a two-game losing streak.
Takeaway #1 – That’s Entertainment
As the score indicated, it was an entertaining game and maybe the Huskies’ top one this season. The teams combined for 88 points and 1,121 yards from scrimmage. One of the biggest reasons for the offensive explosion was the duel between a pair of strong-armed quarterbacks.
Wazzu transfer Jayden de Laura put up his third 400-yard game of the year. It was also the Arizona signal caller’s third with 4 or more passing touchdowns in 2022.
Saturday, Washington Huskies QB Michael Penix had the best game of his college career. The fifth-year junior completed 36 of 44 pass attempts for 516 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also ran one into the endzone.
Penix leads all FBS quarterbacks with 2,560 yards. Additionally, he is one of five with 20 or more TD passes.
Takeaway #2 – Starting Strong
While Washington Huskies’ defense didn’t have a great day, they had a terrific start forcing a three-and-out on Arizona’s opening possession. The highlight was a third down sack by Jeremiah Martin.
Today was Jeremiah Martin's 50th career college football game.
Through his first 41 games, he had zero career sacks.
Now, he's got 6 sacks in his last 9 games.
Congrats on your success, @IAmJM_!
— Tony Castricone (@Castricone) October 16, 2022
After the punt, the Huskies only needed 5 plays to cash in for points. Jalen McMillan culminated the drive with a 23-yard touchdown possession.
Takeaway #3 – Dirty Laundry
Pac-12 football officiating is under fire. Add the Arizona Wildcats to their many critics. The situation reached a head in the second quarter when Arizona had a couple of questionable calls go against them, as well as several penalties.
Takeaway #4 – Comming Up Short on Short-Yardage
The Washington Huskies went for it twice on 4th and 1 and were denied. Arizona wasn’t known for their rush defense coming into the game, but they made big stops when needed.
Even more importantly, the Wildcats scored quickly both times. Had the Huskies made both of those fourth down conversions, the game wouldn’t have been as close.
Takeaway #5 – Receiver’s Paradise
The Huskies and Wildcats may have the top four receivers in the Pac-12. Washington’s Rome Odunze had 9 catches for 169 catches and 2 touchdowns, while Jalen McMillan had 6 for 77 yards and 1 touchdown.
On the other side, Arizona’s top two kept pace. Tetairoa McMillan pulled in 7 catches for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Dorian Singer had 6 receptions for 99 yards and 1 touchdown.
Takeaway #6 – Bloodlines
With Richard Newton out this week, UW gave a shot to redshirt freshman running back Sam Adams II, the son of former Seahawks defensive tackle Sam Adams Sr. The younger Adams had a rep here and there against Stanford and ASU, but he finally got to run the ball this week.
He carried 9 times in this game for 25 yards and also caught 3 balls for another 15 yards, including a touchdown that came near the end of the first half.
There's Sam Adams II's first career touchdown. He blows kisses to the student section. UW leads 21-14 going into halftime.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) October 15, 2022
Takeaway #7 – Streaking
This was the Washington Huskies’ sixth win in a row over Arizona. Not an easy feat in a competitive league like the Pac-12. Other active streaks include:
- Washington’s fifth straight win at Husky Stadium.
- Also, it was the Husky’s sixth in a row of scoring 32 or more points. Unfortunately, they’ve allowed 39 or more in three straight.
- Penix had 516 passing yards, his six straight with 300+ yards.
- This is the fourth week in a row that Odunze had 8 or more receptions and over 100 yards.
At 5-2 in 2022, the Washington Huskies qualify for a bowl game with one more win. They go back on the road next week to take on Cal in Berkeley. Go Dawgs!