Washington football sliced through the Michigan State Spartans 41-7 in their final non-conference game of the season.
It was expected that Washington football would have a strong outing in East Lansing but I honestly expected the score to be a little closer than it was. Instead, Washington put up five touchdowns and 713 total offensive yards to take the Week 3 victory.
Michigan State couldn’t keep up with Washington from the start. Heisman trophy candidate Michael Penix Jr. led the charge, completing 27 of 35 passes for a staggering 473 yards and four touchdowns. His precision passing left the Spartan defense scrambling to keep up.
The first-half heroics belonged to tight end Jack Westover, who hauled in three of Penix’s touchdown passes. Westover’s remarkable performance showcased his versatility and his ability to find the end zone, adding to the Huskies’ early lead. Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk added to the aerial assault with a catch on a tipped ball, turning it into another touchdown for Washington.
While the Huskies’ passing game shone brightly, their running game showed signs of improvement. Dillon Johnson returned to action, churning out 71 yards on eight carries. Richard Newton contributed with four carries for 29 yards, averaging an impressive 7.3 yards per carry.
In the second half, freshman running back Tybo Rogers made a significant impact with 74 yards on 15 carries. His performance provided a glimmer of hope for the Huskies’ run game, which had faced challenges in previous outings. Although a redshirt candidate for the season, Rogers displayed his potential and the depth of talent in the Washington backfield.
The game also had a poignant moment when receiver Germie Bernard, who had originally committed to Washington in 2022 but later re-committed to Michigan State before transferring back to Washington, silenced his former team. Bernard’s touchdown run in the first quarter served as a fitting narrative twist, symbolizing his journey and the Huskies’ determination to prevail.
Ultimately, Washington football’s 41-7 victory was a masterclass in offensive execution, with Penix’s brilliance, Westover’s catching prowess, and a revitalized running game all contributing to an impressive win over Michigan State.