6 takeaways from Washington Huskies 40-22 win over Stanford

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Sep 25, 2022
Washington Huskies
Rome Odunze, Washington Huskies.

The Washington Huskies advanced to 4-0 with a 40-22 win over Stanford. Here are our six big takeaways.

Saturday afternoon, the Washington Huskies made it 4 straight wins to open the 2022 season. Considering they only won 4 games last year, it’s a big improvement.

Washington scored a touchdown on their first possession and hit the gas from there. The Huskies remain undefeated with the 40-22 victory and are now ranked 15th.

Takeaway #1 Penix keeps rolling

Against Stanford, quarterback Michael Penix Jr had another good passing day. The senior completed 22 of 37 for 309 yards and two touchdowns.

Aside from the Huskies’ win streak, Penix has some impressive streaks of his own going. In each of his four games wearing the purple and gold, Penix has:

  • Completed 20 or more passes.
  • Thrown for 300 yards.
  • Thrown a Touchdown pass.
  • Not been sacked.
  • At least one pass play go for over 40 yards.

Takeaway #2 – Free Rome-ing

Each week, Penix has a different go-to receiver. This week it was Rome Odunze.

Stanford’s defense didn’t have an answer for the Washington Huskies’ junior wideout. Odunze caught 8 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. His longest play went 61 yards and led to a Husky field goal.

Takeaway #3 – Meet you at the QB

Washington’s linebackers and edge rushers had a field day. They sacked Tanner McKee 8 times and caused three turnovers which led to 17 points.

Linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala and Edge Rusher Bralen Trice had 2.0 sacks each. Zion Tupuola-Fatui finally looked like he did before the Achillies’ injury with 2.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks.

Also recording a-sack-and-a-half was Jeremiah Martin. Transfer Cam Bright continued his strong play. The middle linemaker had a half sack and recovered a fumble at linebacker. ZTF(Zion) and Jeremiah Martin each had 1.5 on the day.

Takeaway #4 – Fighting for the Fallen

More kudos to the front seven. They had to step up because the secondary was shorthanded. Safety Asa Turner and cornerbacks Mishael Powell and Jordan Perryman were all out of action.

Takeaway #5 – Perfection

Even though the Washington Huskies’ offense was outstanding, they still got a little help from their kicker. Peyton Henry didn’t miss a kick all game. He converted all four extra point attempts and was four for four on field goals, with a long of 47 yards.

Takeaway #6 – The Huskies can run, too

While passing is Washington’s bread and butter, running back Wayne Taulapapa had another outstanding game. The Virginia transfer ran 13 times for 120 yards and a touchdown.

This week Washington Huskies Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb also included some wrinkles. In addition to catching 4 passes (including a TD), wide receiver Giles Jackson ran the ball three times for 14 yards. Jackson’s speed and versatility can be difficult opponents.

Late in the game, instead of settling for another field goal on 4th and 1, the Huskies handed off to Devin Culp on a tight end sweep. He gained two yards and picked up the first down.

Next up, the Huskies head to SoCal for a meeting of undefeated teams when they play UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Friday. Go Dawgs!

What were your takeaways from the Washington Huskies’ win over Stanford? Let us know in the comments section below.

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