College Football Wrap-Up recaps the most important developments from the day’s action and examines their significance moving forward.
Washington’s defense keeps perfect season
Michael Penix Jr. was held to just 162 passing yards and the nation’s fifth-ranked offense only totalled 272 for the entire game against Oregon State … and Washington still won?
With torrential rain and a swarming Beavers defense grounding the passing attack, the Huskies did something they’ve rarely done this season to keep their perfect record – stand on the defense. Washington entered the contest ranked 103rd in the country in third-down defense with opponents converting almost 43% of the time. Washington held the Beavers to just 3-for-12 on third downs, including multiple key stops in the fourth quarter. That was enough to preserve the 22-20 lead and walk away with the program’s 18th straight win. The victory also clinched a spot in the Pac-12 title game with a CFP berth likely on the line.
While the Huskies keep winning, things have been getting more dramatic on a weekly basis. After flying out of the gates with blowout wins, Saturday night represented the team’s sixth single-digit win in the past seven games. While the Apple Cup against Washington State won’t matter for the Pac-12 race, the Huskies need to remain perfect to keep their CFP hopes alive. After that, a mouthwatering rematch with Oregon likely awaits in the Pac-12 title game – which almost certainly doubles as a play-in game for the CFP.
Taulia tormented by Michigan
A YOLO quarterback flashes both moments of brilliance and mind-numbingly poor decisions in a rollercoaster ride from the opening kick to the final gun. There might be no better example of one than Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa. Tua’s younger brother has been one of the best passers in the history of the Terrapins program while simultaneously driving the fanbase nuts during his tenure in College Park. Both were on full display in Maryland’s loss to Michigan on…
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