Michael Penix Jr. threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns, No. 5 Washington’s defense pitched a second-half shutout and the Huskies defeated No. 18 Utah 35-28 on Saturday afternoon.
Washington’s defense stepped up in a large way during the second half, holding the Utes to 90 yards, four first downs and shutting them out.
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Utah blocked Washington’s attempt for insurance points, as Utes defensive end Connor O’Toole stopped the Huskies’ field goal attempt to keep it a 35-28 game with 1:38 left to play.
The Utes had one more try to tie or take the lead in the game. Three pass attempts by quarterback Bryson Barnes went incomplete, and it set up for a big fourth down and 10.
Barnes dropped back to pass and slung the ball over the middle of the field, but Washington defensive back Dominique Hampton intercepted Barnes’ last gasp at a comeback.
The Utes held a 28-24 halftime lead after the game appeared to be a shootout in the first half. Both teams matched one another touchdown-for-touchdown, and Utah running back Ja’Quinden Jackson ran in a score from 7 yards out to help Utah get to 28 points.
Penix had a passing and rushing touchdown in the first half. He connected with receiver Rome Odunze on a 30-yard heave midway through the second quarter.
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The Huskies now move to 10-0 and remain atop the Pac-12 Conference standings. Odunze had 111 yards, two touchdowns and three receptions.
Barnes finished with 267 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Receiver Devaughn Vele had 145 receiving yards on five catches.
