USC vs. Washington: Fireworks fly in highest-scoring Pac-12 first half since 2018
USC and Washington getting together in Week 10 promised to produce points.
Through one half of play, the matchup absolutely lived up to the billing. Defense was optional. Caleb Williams and Michael Penix Jr. were wheeling and dealing. The ground games for both teams got rolling. After 30 minutes, Washington held a 35-28 lead.
The 63 combined points between the two teams were the most in the first half of a Pac-12 game since Washington State and Arizona combined to score 69 in 2018.
Williams completed 12 of his 14 passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. He also had a rushing score. USC hit a flea flicker to Tahj Washington for a score. Darwin Barlow hit a 43-yard run. Austin Jones went for 91 on nine first-half carries. USC had a 27% explosive play rate.
On the other side, Penix hit 14 of his 19 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns. UW tailback Dillon Johnson ran for 117 yards and three touchdowns — a second consecutive week USC has given up a 100-yard day to a running back in the first half. UW had a 31% explosive play rate.
There were highlights every few plays. Here are some of them:
.@CALEBcsw put 'em in the spin cycle 🔁✌️ pic.twitter.com/IHxkOozuVe
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) November 5, 2023
Caleb Williams shows off what he does best 🔥@uscfb pic.twitter.com/cZRX8FmGjG
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 5, 2023
BLOCKED@uscfb comes up with it! ✋😤 pic.twitter.com/iuNIhoA6zg
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 5, 2023
MICHAEL PENIX JR, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE⁉️
A Heisman-worthy play from the Huskies QB 🔥
📍@NissanUSA pic.twitter.com/BTncZaLfuq
— ESPN (@espn) November 5, 2023
WE SEE YOU DJ‼️☔️ KEEP WORKIN’ @Dill_7k ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/F6xEcQt6dF
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) November 5, 2023
Lincoln Riley reminding everyone that when it comes to scheming up points, he is still as good as it gets. This is electric. pic.twitter.com/ptL7r9G5ft
— Zach Soskin (@ZSoskin) November 5, 2023
The throw 🔥 The catch 🔥@UW_Football is moving! pic.twitter.com/UtJ2kax9yG
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 5, 2023
Peezy, too easy 🤲🔥 pic.twitter.com/X3DdN3r5ne
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) November 5, 2023
Proud of you, @ztupufet 🙌💜pic.twitter.com/1OqAPK4Aqm
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) November 5, 2023