The Husky Haul
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3 quick thoughts on Huskies 52-42 win over USC

ByKarley Sibert|
Nov 4, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson (7), Washington Huskies offensive lineman Nate Kalepo (71) and other teammates celebrate against the USC Trojans during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson (7), Washington Huskies offensive lineman Nate Kalepo (71) and other teammates celebrate against the USC Trojans during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Washington football traveled to USC for the first time since 2015 and came out with the 52-42 victory.

We knew that this matchup was going to be a battle between offenses but I’d say it was even better than expected.

While the score was back-and-forth all game, it felt like USC had the momentum from the  start. Things shifted in the fourth quarter when the Huskies sacked Caleb Williams and forced the Trojans to punt. This gave the Huskies the opportunity to give them a 10-point lead. They were able to soldify the victory by forcing a turnover on downs on USC’s following drive.

3 quick thoughts on Washington football’s win over USC

Penix is still Heisman worthy

Washington football quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finally looked like himself again after battling illness the past few games. He completed 22 out of 30 passes for 256 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. It wasn’t the biggest day for Penix due to being overshadowed by the run game but he still comes out looking like a Heisman Trophy candidate.

MVP Dillon Johnson

The MVP of the game goes to running back Dillon Johnson who rushed for 256 yards and four touchdowns in this incredible career game. He averaged 9.8 yards per carry and his longest run of the day was 53 yards. Johnson mentioned that establishing the run was the main goal this week and they certainly accomplished that.

Johnson was a huge addition for the Huskies in the offseason as a transfer from Mississippi State. It may have taken him and the rest Washington’s run game a weeks to establish themselves but he’s proved to be a valuable addition. Who knows how this game had turned out if Washington couldn’t execute the run.

Defense does just enough

Washington football’s defense has struggled for the past few seasons. Last year the secondary was decimated by injuries but this year the talent is apparent. Even so, they have given up too many points and allowed games to be closer than they should. However, they always seem do just enough in the end to help the team win. Pressuring Caleb Williams late in the fourth was crucial to earning arguably their biggest victory of the season.

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