Washington offense rolls again as Huskies smash Portland State 52-6
Kalen DeBoer was brought to Montlake to revitalize an offense that sputtered and lagged all last season.
Two games in, the results have been resounding.
Washington dominated Portland State on Saturday, 52-6 to move to 2-0 in DeBoer’s first year at the helm. In the win, Washington put up at least 500 yards for the second straight week — the first time UW has done that since 2016. A season after UW scored more than 31 points only once, Washington has topped 40 in both of its games first two games in 2022.
DUBS UP‼️‼️#NoLimits #PurpleReign pic.twitter.com/6QsZs88uF9
— Washington Football (@UW_Football) September 10, 2022
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was brilliant once again for the Huskies. He completed 20 of his 27 pass attempts for 337 yards and two touchdowns. After injuries derailed Penix’s Indiana career, the transfer quarterback has been on the money to open his stay in Seattle.
This throw from Mike Penix Jr. pic.twitter.com/jIZBpKhIHH
— Derek Peterson (@dr_petey) September 10, 2022
In the second quarter, he hit wideout Jalen McMillan for an 84-yard strike — the seventh-longest reception in program history. McMillan finished with 127 yards on four catches. Giles Jackson had 105 yards himself, with six receptions.
As a team, Washington put up 617 yards of total offense. The run game was just as potent. UW actually opened the game looking to establish itself at the line of scrimmage. UW ran it seven times on the opening 10-play drive, a 77-yard match that ended in a touchdown.
Wayne Taulapapa put up 94 rushing yards (7.8 yards a carry) and a touchdown. Cameron Davis added 70 yards and two scores on 10 carries. Richard Newton, coming back from an ACL injury, made his season debut and put up 59 rushing yards on 10 carries.
So far, Washington has scored points on 15 of its first 21 drives under DeBoer. Thirteen of those scores have been touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, UW limited Portland State to just 131 yards of offense — 50 passing and 81 rushing. Washington had six tackles for loss and four sacks. Bralen Trice got in for 1.5 sacks. Alphonzo Tuputala and Voi Tunuufi each had one as well.
Washington (2-0) will enter into a Sept. 17 home matchup with No. 14 Michigan State (which won its game Saturday 52-0) with a tremendous amount of confidence. Kickoff next Saturday is set for 4:30 p.m. PT on ABC.