Washington Huskies: 4 plays that could have put UW in a New Year’s 6 Bowl
Play 2 – Doink-Six
The following week Washington had a chance to right their ship at Arizona State, one of the Pac-12’s bottom teams. Even better, with starter Emory Jones out due to an injury, the Sun Devils started backup Trenton Bourguet.
ASU was unfazed. They scored on their first three possessions to take a 17-10 lead with 3:47 left in the second quarter.
That was a harbinger of things to come. Washington couldn’t stop the Sun Devils all game. Arizona State only punted twice (their first and last possessions of the second half).
The Huskies needed their offense to pull this game out, but the opposite happened. Inspired by their own offense, it was Arizona State’s defense that made its mark.
In the second quarter, Washington was hanging in and putting together a nice drive close to mid-field. Under a heavy rush, Penix decided to throw instead of taking a sack.
The pass hit Washington tackle Jaxon Kirkland’s helmet, popping up in the air. ASU defensive back Jordan Clark caught the “doinked” pass and took it to the house for a 38 yard pick-six, putting the Washington Huskies down 24-10. Again two touchdowns were too much to make up despite a strong second half.
In hindsight, this play probably cost Penix any chance he had to win the Heisman Trophy.