Nov 30, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James (20) carries the ball for a first down during the first half against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

No. 1 Oregon conquers Washington to stay unbeaten

Top-ranked Oregon, already locked into the Big Ten championship game next weekend against Penn State, finished off a perfect regular season with Saturday’s 49-21 rout of rival Washington in Eugene, Ore.

The Ducks’ defense shut out the Huskies for almost the entire second half, giving up a late touchdown with 1:43 to play. They also matched a single-game record for sacks with 10.

Oregon’s offense overcame an early fumble and a couple of hiccups in execution to dominate.

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 209 yards with two touchdowns, and the Oregon ground game gained 236 yards. Jordan James had 99 yards on 15 carries with two touchdowns, and Gabriel, Noah Whittington and Da’Jaun Riggs also scored rushing touchdowns for Oregon (12-0, 9-0 in Big Ten).

Terrance Ferguson and Tez Johnson caught touchdown passes from Gabriel. Johnson, Oregon’s most dynamic receiver, returned to action after missing two full games with a shoulder injury.

Ducks coach Dan Lanning finally got his first win over the Huskies after three losses, including a pair of three-point defeats last season. The Ducks ended a three-game losing streak to their archrivals to the north.

Washington (6-6, 4-5) went with Demond Williams Jr. at quarterback over the more experienced Will Rogers, who was benched in the Huskies’ previous game. Williams spent much of the night running from Oregon defenders but ended up 17 for 20 for 201 yards and a touchdown pass.

Defensive lineman Jordan Burch, who also returned from injury, led the Ducks with 2 1/2 sacks, and linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei had two.

The Huskies entered the game with 1,008-yard rusher Jonah Coleman averaging 5.8 yards per carry, but Coleman was held to 3 rushing yards on 11 attempts. As a team, Washington ran for only 43 yards and gained 244 yards in total offense.

–Field Level Media

Nov 9, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) jumps over top of the Washington Huskies defense and into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Tyler Warren shows off versatility as No. 6 Penn State thrashes Washington

Tight end Tyler Warren made a game-high eight receptions and rushed for two touchdowns as No. 6 Penn State trounced Washington 35-6 Saturday night in the Nittany Lions’ annual white-out game in University Park, Pa.

Drew Allar completed 20 of 28 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown for Penn State (8-1 overall, 5-1 Big Ten), which could move up in the College Football Playoff rankings after losses by No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Miami. Teammate Kaytron Allen rushed 20 times for 98 yards and a score.

The Nittany Lions had a 486-193 edge in total offense.

The normally staid Penn State offense came up with some intriguing plays in taking a 28-0 halftime lead.

Backup quarterback Beau Pribula came off the bench and scored on an 8-yard run around the left end to open the scoring with 3:48 left in the first quarter. That capped a nine-play, 72-yard drive after Washington’s Grady Gross hit the upright on a 45-yard field goal attempt.

Facing third-and-goal from the UW 2-yard line with 9:23 remaining in the second, Warren — a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award as college football’s most versatile player — lined up as the quarterback in a Wildcat formation. Warren took the snap and vaulted into the end zone to make it 14-0.

With 3:23 left in the quarter, Penn State faced the same situation — third-and-goal from the 2 — and again used Warren in the Wildcat formation. This time he muscled his way over the goal line behind the left tackle.

Allar then threw an 8-yard scoring strike to Julian Fleming with 23 seconds left in the half.

Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton returned the second-half kickoff 97 yards, but the touchdown was called back because of a holding penalty.

The Huskies (5-5, 3-4) finally got on the scoreboard on Gross’ 24-yard field goal with 9:47 left in the third. He added a 35-yarder early in the fourth to make it 28-6.

Allen scored on a 1-yard run with 4:50 to go to cap the scoring.

UW quarterback Will Rogers III was 10-of-13 passing for 59 yards and one interception in the first half before being replaced by Demond Williams Jr., who was 6-of-10 passing for 60 yards and rushed for a team-high 38 yards on 10 attempts.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch watches his team warm up before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Former Pac-12 foes USC, Washington set to test mettle

This wasn’t the way Washington or Southern California expected their first season of Big Ten Conference football to go.

When the former Pacific-12 Conference powers meet Saturday in Seattle, it won’t be for a spot in the College Football Playoff but for mere bowl eligibility.

Both Southern California (4-4 overall, 2-4 Big Ten) and Washington (4-4, 2-3) need to win two of their remaining four games to reach the six-victory threshold to qualify for the postseason.

“I told our team, ‘Don’t predict the future,’” Huskies coach Jedd Fisch said. “‘Don’t try to figure out what’s going to happen in two weeks, in three weeks, in one week. Just figure out what’s going to happen today, and then let’s see what Saturday brings.’”

Washington, which has lost its past two games, faces a tougher road to bowl eligibility, as it still has trips to No. 3 Penn State and No. 1 Oregon on the schedule. It also as a home game against UCLA.

The Huskies are 4-0 at home this season, while Southern California is 0-3 on the road.

“It’s important to win at home,” Fisch said. “It’s important to beat a longtime Pac-12 foe. It’s important to stop a two-game skid. It’s important to get better. And we’re going to do everything we can to do that. We know we have a great challenge. It’s important for them, also.”

The Trojans, who have games remaining against Nebraska and rivals UCLA and Notre Dame, snapped a three-game losing streak with a 42-20 victory last week at Rutgers. Sophomore Makai Lemon had four receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown for the winners.

“I don’t know if it’s relief as much as affirmation of who we are, what we believe in,” Trojans quarterback Miller Moss said. “I give a ton of credit to the guys in that locker room, the staff, with the whole program on how we continue to come together and continue to fight through adversity. It’s great to close one out and hopefully get on a run here in the back half of the season.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Miles Cross (19) is tackled by Washington Huskies cornerback Ephesians Prysock (7) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

No. 13 Indiana holds off Washington 31-17 for 8-0 start

D’Angelo Ponds intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown, as No. 13 Indiana remained undefeated with a 31-17 victory against Washington in a Big Ten Conference game Saturday afternoon in Bloomington, Ind.

Justice Ellison rushed for a game-high 123 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries for the Hoosiers (8-0 overall, 5-0 Big Ten). The Hoosiers have opened a season 8-0 for the first time since 1967.

Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson, making his first start of the season for the injured Kurtis Rourke, completed 11 of 19 passes for 124 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, and rushed for a score.

Jonah Coleman gained 104 yards on the ground for the Huskies (4-4, 2-3). Will Rogers III was 19-of-26 passing for 202 yards with the two first-half interceptions.

The Hoosiers put the game away on Jackson’s 2-yard keeper with 8:55 remaining. The four-play, 14-yard drive was set up by Myles Price’s 65-yard punt return.

After trailing 17-7 at the half, the Huskies got a boost when Jackson’s pass on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter was deflected and intercepted by defensive lineman Jacob Bandes at Indiana’s 24-yard line. Four plays later, Demond Williams Jr. rushed for an 8-yard touchdown to pull Washington within 17-14.

The Hoosiers then marched 75 yards in 14 plays, with Ellison powering his way up the middle on a 5-yard TD run to make it 24-14.

Indiana opened the scoring on Ponds’ 67-yard interception return in the first quarter after teammate Tyrique Tucker hit Rogers’ throwing arm as he attempted a screen pass.
Following Ponds’ second interception, Jackson threw a 42-yard scoring strike to Omar Cooper Jr., making it 14-0 early in the second quarter.

The Huskies responded with a six-play, 75-yard drive capped by wide receiver Giles Jackson’s 6-yard touchdown run.

Indiana had first-and-goal from the UW 1 in the final minute of the half but the Hoosiers were stopped on three straight running plays and had to settle for Nicolas Radicic’s 19-yard field goal on the last play before the intermission.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) catches a touchdown pass as Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Deshaun Lee (8) defends during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Kaleb Johnson (3 TDs), Iowa run over Washington 40-16

Kaleb Johnson rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns and added a TD reception as Iowa trounced Washington 40-16 in a Big Ten Conference game Saturday afternoon in Iowa City, Iowa.

Coach Kirk Ferentz earned his 200th career conference victory, second only to Ohio State legend Woody Hayes (205), for the Hawkeyes (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten).

Johnson, who entered the game second in the nation with 154.2 yards rushing per game, scored on runs of 6 and 8 yards and on an 18-yard pass from Cade McNamara. Drew Stevens kicked four field goals for the Hawkeyes.

McNamara also threw a 33-yard scoring strike to Dayton Howard early in the fourth quarter.

The Hawkeyes won despite being outgained 393-328 and with the Huskies holding the ball for 34:59. Washington had a 17-play drive and two 14-play drives.

Will Rogers III completed 22 of 34 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown for the Huskies (4-3, 2-2) but turned over the ball twice on an interception and a fumble. Jonah Coleman rushed nine times for 80 yards.

Huskies backup quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw a 2-yard TD pass to Rashid Williams late in the fourth to complete the scoring.

The Hawkeyes led 7-0 after the first quarter and 20-10 at the half.

The Hawkeyes opened the scoring on Johnson’s 6-yard run with 1:33 left in the first.

The Huskies responded as Rogers threw a 5-yard TD pass to Denzel Boston to tie the score.

Rogers fumbled while being sacked by Aaron Graves and Max Llewellyn recovered at the Huskies’ 19-yard line. That led to Stevens’ 37-yard field goal to make it 10-7.

After forcing a three-and-out, the Hawkeyes extended their advantage on an 18-yard pass from McNamara to Johnson.

Grady Gross connected on a 29-yard field goal to pull Washington within 17-10 with 29 seconds left in the second quarter.

Johnson broke free on a 53-yard run on the Hawkeyes’ next play from scrimmage, setting up a 46-yard field goal by Stevens on the last play of the half.

The Huskies drove to Iowa’s 23-yard line on their opening possession of the third quarter before defensive back Jermari Harris intercepted a Rogers pass.

Iowa drove to the Washington 1 and had first-and-goal but was stuffed on three plays and settled for Stevens’ 25-yard field goal.

Johnson scored on an 8-yard run on the opening play of the fourth quarter as the Hawkeyes extended their lead to 30-10.

–Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Washington stuns No. 10 Michigan in rematch of CFP title game

Jonah Coleman scored on a 1-yard dive with 6:22 remaining as Washington defeated No. 10 Michigan 27-17 on Saturday in Seattle in a rematch of last season’s College Football Playoff championship game.

Will Rogers was 21-of-32 passing for 271 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for the Huskies (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten), who scored the game’s final 13 points to avenge a 34-13 loss to the Wolverines on Jan. 8 in Houston. Coleman rushed 18 times for 80 yards.

The Wolverines (4-2, 2-1) rallied from a 14-point, first-half deficit behind backup quarterback Jack Tuttle.

But Tuttle was stripped of the ball on a 1-yard run by Voi Tunuufi with 8:02 remaining. The Huskies’ Logan Sagapolu recovered at Michigan’s 32-yard line to set up the go-ahead drive.

On the Wolverines’ next possession, Tuttle’s pass was intercepted by Kamren Fabiculanan at the Michigan 31-yard line with 3:24 left. Grady Gross, who missed twice in the first half, kicked a 32-yard field goal with 1:06 remaining to seal the victory.

After trailing 14-10 at the intermission, the Wolverines took the second-half kickoff and drove 75 yards in 11 plays. Tuttle threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland to give the visitors their first lead.

Gross booted a 28-yarder with 13:38 left in the fourth to tie the score at 17-all.

Rogers threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Denzel Boston late in the first quarter to open the scoring and cap a 13-play, 83-yard drive. That came after Gross missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt on the Huskies’ opening possession.

Washington made it 14-0 on a 16-yard scoring strike from Rogers to Giles Jackson, a transfer from Michigan, with 9:38 left in the half.

Tuttle then replaced starter Alex Orji and guided the Wolverines on a seven-play, 75-yard drive, with Edwards scoring on a 39-yard run. Edwards rushed for a game-high 95 yards on 14 carries.

Michigan’s Dominic Zvada added a 45-yard field goal with 1:49 left in the second quarter to make it 14-10.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;  Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Raheem Anderson (62) lifts up the Little Brown Jug after defeating the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

No. 10 Michigan, Washington set for rematch of national title game

It was less than nine months ago that Michigan and Washington met in the College Football Playoff national championship game in Houston, with the Wolverines claiming the title with a 34-13 victory.

There will be a rematch Saturday, as No. 10 Michigan (4-1 overall, 2-0 Big Ten) travels to Seattle to meet the Huskies (3-2, 1-1) for the first time as members of the same conference.

Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore, who was an assistant on Jim Harbaugh’s staff last season, downplayed the rematch angle, however.

“No, just it’s the next game,” Moore said. “And I know we played them last year in the national championship, but it’s two different teams. So we’ve got to go win this game. That’s it.”

The Huskies certainly have a different look after coach Kalen DeBoer was lured away by Alabama and all but a couple of their starters either graduated, went pro or transferred.

Jedd Fisch was hired from Arizona to replace DeBoer. Washington’s two losses have been by a combined eight points, including a 21-18 decision last Friday at Rutgers. The Huskies outgained the hosts 521-299 but scored on just two of four trips into the red zone.

“We’re one basketball hoop away from 5-0, I guess. Three yards away, nine feet. Got to convert on fourth-and-goal at the 1 and fourth-and-goal at the 2 and we have two different outcomes,” said Fisch, also referring to a 24-19 defeat to rival Washington State in the Apple Cup. “Then we’re the best story in college football with 21 new starters and 21 new coaches that are 5-0. Got to find a way to make those plays. If we do that, we’ll have a chance to be very good.”

Jonah Coleman, who followed Fisch from Arizona, leads the Huskies with 104.2 yards rushing per game and quarterback Will Rogers III, a transfer from Mississippi State, has completed 74.8 percent of his passes for 1,354 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Wolverines’ only blemish was a 31-12 defeat to Texas in Week 2.

Michigan has bounced back with three straight wins, holding on for a 27-24 decision against Minnesota last Saturday in the game for the Little Brown Jug. Kalel Mullings rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns in his first start at running back as the Wolverines extended their school-record conference winning streak to 27 games dating to 2021.

“Coach told me I was starting (last Saturday), but it didn’t change much for me,” said Mullings, who leads the team with 540 yards rushing and six touchdowns. “I always prepare like I’m going to (be) on the field for every play.”

Saturday will be Michigan’s first road game of the season.

“You gotta pack your defense first, obviously your run game. And you’ve got to be sound and disciplined in everything you do,” Moore said. “It’s going to be a great environment. I think our players are excited to get on the road. It eliminates distractions, it eliminates all the outside stuff, and you’re kind of in your cocoon with your group. A lot of guys have come by the office and said, ‘I’m ready, we’re ready to get on the road. We’re ready to take this show on the road.’”

Added Wolverines offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi: “It’s kind of exciting actually. Being in different scenery. We know it’s going to be loud, wild. It’s a rematch of the national championship. We’re ready; make their field our home field. That’s what it’s about. Have fun. Let them boo us, let them talk all the crap they want. We’re ready for it all.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer looks on against the Michigan Wolverines late in the fourth quarter in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Washington’s Kalen DeBoer in talks with Alabama for HC job

Washington’s Kalen DeBoer is negotiating a contract with Alabama to replace the retired Nick Saban as the school’s next head coach, ESPN reported on Friday.

DeBoer guided the Huskies to a 12-0 record during the regular season, a Pac-12 championship and a spot in the CFP national championship game. DeBoer, 49, was voted the Associated Press Coach of the Year last month.

ESPN reported Washington director of athletics Troy Dannen has tried to entice DeBoer to stay with a new contract that would make him one of the 10 highest-paid coaches in FBS.

Before inheriting a Huskies team that finished 4-8 in 2021, DeBoer was 67-3 with three NAIA championships at his alma mater Sioux Falls (2005-09) and 12-6 in two seasons at Fresno State (2020-21).

DeBoer paid immediate dividends since being hired at Washington, guiding the Huskies to an 11-2 record in 2022 and a victory in the Alamo Bowl. He followed up an undefeated regular season in 2023 with a 34-31 victory over Oregon in the Pac-12 title game and a 37-31 win over Texas in a CFP semifinal on New Year’s Day.

Washington dropped a 34-13 decision to No. 1 Michigan in the CFP national championship.

Saban won six of his seven national titles in his 17 years at Alabama, tying the school mark set by Bear Bryant. He finishes with a career mark of 297-71-1, 206 of those wins coming at Alabama (with 29 losses).

He led the Crimson Tide to nine Southeastern Conference championships.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) celebrates after the Huskies scored against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Washington T Troy Fautanu declares for NFL Draft

Two days after a runner-up finish in the College Football Playoff championship game, Washington left tackle Troy Fautanu declared his intention to enter the NFL Draft.

A junior from Henderson, Nev., Fautanu was part of a Huskies offensive line that helped quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finish second in the Heisman Trophy voting to LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Penix completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Washington also gained 1,982 yards rushing with 28 touchdowns, led by Dillon Johnson, who had 1,195 yards and 16 TDs.

Named a third team All-American this past season and first team All-Pac 12, the 6-foot-4, 310-pound Fautanu, played in all 15 games this season and in 28 games over the past two seasons.

–Field Level Media