Washington football: 3 takeaways from Huskies win over ASU 9/22/18

SEATTLE, WA: Head Coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies, Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils and Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies shake hands after the Washington Huskies defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 27-20 at Husky Stadium on September 22, 2018. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA: Head Coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies, Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils and Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies shake hands after the Washington Huskies defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 27-20 at Husky Stadium on September 22, 2018. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Washington Football
SEATTLE, WA: Jake Browning #3 of the Washington Huskies throws the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first quarter during their game at Husky Stadium on September 22, 2018. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Jake Browning was Jake Browning again

The senior quarterback found his rhythm early in this one, going six out-of seven for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter. He avoided throwing ill-timed interceptions as well. Actually, it wasn’t the quarterback who turned the ball over.

Petersen called for a double pass which ended in an interception by receiver Andre Baccellia. Six plays later, Arizona State had an early 7-0 lead, and the Huskies were still uncertain whether the offense would click. Admittedly, Petersen said it was the wrong call and probably a sign that he thought the offense needed to use extra gimmick plays.

Playing on the wrong side of a 7-0 score, three minutes into the game did not phase the Huskies quarterback and his veteran offensive unit. Browning would find Aaron Fuller and Ty Jones for touchdowns as Washington led 17-10 at the half. The key, as Browning would reference after the game, was the pass protection.

Browning had his feet under him in the pocket and threw the ball as well as he has all year. The offensive line was much better in this one which gave Browning the confidence to step into his throws. He is now second to only Cody Pickett for career passing yards at Washington with 10,070 yards. His performance provided optimism for the rest of the season and quieted some of the skeptics, at least for another week.