The Husky Haul
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Huskies punch their ticket to the CFP in Pac-12 Championship win over Oregon

By Karley Sibert

Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball against the Oregon Ducks in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball against the Oregon Ducks in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington football wins the final Pac-12 Championship over the Oregon Ducks in a 34-31 statement win.

It’s difficult to beat a great team once but it’s even harder to beat them twice. That’s just what the Huskies did. Their second win of the season over the Ducks was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts and clutch plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The game kicked off with a promising drive by UW, only to stall after a sack, yet Grady Gross managed a 38-yard field goal, giving the Huskies an initial 3-0 lead in a time-consuming drive that ate up nearly half of the first quarter.

Oregon’s response was lackluster, going three-and-out on three incomplete passes, one even hitting an official. This set the stage for UW’s dominance early on, epitomized by Dillon Johnson’s touchdown, establishing a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Washington extending their lead with Germie Bernard’s 4-yard touchdown reception, showcasing solid blocking by Devin Culp and Jack Westover. Despite missed opportunities for both teams, including a potential 64-yard TD pass by Michael Penix Jr. and an intercepted pass, the Huskies managed to maintain their lead, going into halftime with a 20-10 advantage.

However, the Ducks stormed back in the third quarter, capitalizing on crucial fourth-down plays and a significant interception, culminating in Jordan James’ 5-yard touchdown run to grab their first lead at 24-20.

Washington countered fiercely with Dillon Johnson spearheading a 75-yard drive, reclaiming the lead at 27-24 early in the fourth quarter. The game’s tension escalated as the Huskies’ defense stepped up, denying Oregon crucial yardage in a pivotal moment.

The Huskies even managed to pull off another score, with Penix hitting Quentin Moore for a 2-yard touchdown after Johnson set them up for success, soaring to a 34-24 lead.

Just when victory seemed in sight, the Huskies’ defense stumbled, allowing Oregon a lightning-fast two-play drive and a massive 63-yard touchdown without burning a timeout, swinging the momentum back with just minutes left.

Dillon Johnson called game by breaking free for 18 yards on third down to seal Washington’s victory.

The game highlights the importance of Washington football’s ability to control the game in critical moments to secure championship victories. Now, they wait to see who they will play in the College Football Playoff.

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