As the saying goes “Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time ball games.” Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr did just that, leading his team to victory in the Pacific Northwest rivalry versus No.7 Oregon.
Penix drove his team down the field after Washington’s defense got a crucial stop on a fourth-and-three to force Oregon to turn the ball over on downs late in the fourth quarter. He only needed 33 seconds to score, hitting wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk on a 35-yard pass and receiver Rome Odunze on a back-shoulder fade to give Washington the lead. Oregon got the ball back which resulted in Camden Lewis missing a 43-yard field goal attempt on the final play. This allowed Washington to hold off the Ducks.
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Penix’s performance against Oregon (a top-10 team) raised his stock of becoming the potential Heisman trophy winner. He finished 22 of 37 for 302 yards, throwing four touchdowns. Rome Odunze left a positive message in his post-game interview on his quarterback. He shouted towards Penix “You’re looking at the Heisman Trophy winner right there.”
Penix was very emotional after the big win. He greatly appreciated the love and support Husky nation showed him throughout the game but valued his family’s presence the most. Penix commented on how much that meant to him in his interview after the game with Holly Rowe.
“It mean the world.” Penix said.“22 people came to support me from my family, just so proud of this team.”
