Penix throws 2 TDs, No. 5 Washington tops No. 11 Oregon State 22-20

Michael Penix

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw two touchdowns and the No. 5 Huskies clinched a berth in the Pac-12 Championship game after beating No. 11 Oregon State on Saturday night.

Despite being shut out in the second half, the Huskies kept the Beavers at bay. Washington had a lead as large as 22-10 before Oregon State made its comeback bid.

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Oregon State running back Damien Martinez ran in a five-yard touchdown to bring the game to 22-17 with 1:29 left in the third quarter. The Beavers then forced a three-and-out to regain possession.

After a 10-play, 50-yard drive, Oregon State kicker Atticus Sappington drilled a 35-yard field goal to bring the score within another field goal.

Washington running back Dillon Johnson ran for 12 yards on two carries to convert a first down before Penix tossed a 19-yard pass to Jack Westover.

The Huskies drive ended in a punt, and Oregon State went back to the drawing board, this time within striking distance and with almost 8 minutes left on the clock.

Oregon State quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei couldn’t convert on 4th and 5 with 2:08 left in the game, and the Beavers turned the ball back over to the Huskies.

On 3rd and 3, Penix converted another 19-yard pass into a first down, and he knelt the rest of the way to seal the win.

The Huskies have now beaten four Associated Press Top 25 teams this season and third consecutive. They advance to the conference championship game for the first time since 2018.

Penix finished with 162 yards and two touchdowns on 46% completion. Receiver Rome Odunze had 106 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Uiagalelei totaled 166 passing yards and two interceptions. Martinez had 123 rushing yards and two scores.