Washington Wins Pac-12 Championship Going To The Playoff

It was another epic between the Washington Huskies and Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 Championship Game. There was so much on the line for both the Huskies and Ducks. The Huskies looked to remain unbeaten and guarantee a spot in the College Football Playoff. A win by Oregon puts them in the conversation for the College Football Playoff if they can win the Pac-12 and knock off Washington.

However, it was not meant to be. Washington defeated Oregon for the second time this season. Washington runs the table to win the Pac-12 Championship, defeating Oregon by a score of. The Huskies going to the College Football Playoff for the second time in school history.

What a game it was between Washington and Oregon. The Huskies knew what was on the line from the start of the game. Washington brought the energy behind Michael Penix Jr and that offense as they built a 20-3 lead. Not to mention, the Huskies defense stepped up as well, holding Bo Nix and the Ducks’ offense to a couple of three-and-outs early on.

Running back Dillon Johnson had another big game for the Huskies. Johnson brought body blows from the first snap as he ran for 152 yards and 2 TDs. Michael Penix Jr was held in check with 313 yards passing, including a TD and an INT. Not ideal numbers for a potential Heisman Trophy candidate. However, that trophy probably does not matter, considering where the Huskies are headed next.

Washington truly showed what type of team they are made of. Oregon mounted a comeback to end the first half. The Ducks were aided by some missed throws from Penix Jr. In addition, the Ducks’ defense was able to get big stops on 3rd down, especially in the second quarter, to allow Bo Nix to drive the field and get points.

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Those stops on defense allowed head coach Dan Lanning to save his timeouts, something we saw late in the game when Washington went up 34-24. Nix and the Ducks were able to drive the field to close out the first half on Terrance Ferguson’s TD reception from Nix to cut the lead to 20-10.

This was a huge momentum boost for the Ducks as they got the ball to start the second half. And boy, was Lanning aggressive. The Ducks converted two fourth-down plays, including one inside the five-yard line, to get Oregon back to within 20-17.

Recall that in the first matchup, those aggressive plays cost the Ducks the victory. Instead of taking the points, Lanning went for it three times in the red zone and was stopped. Not this time. Oregon got the lead after stopping Washington on a fourth down play. Jordan James’ touchdown run was set up by a Bo Nix 40-yard run.

It was a heavyweight boxing fight in the Pac-12 Championship in Las Vegas. Both teams marched up and down the field. Dillon Johnson got his second score of the night as Washington regained the lead. Washington’s defense was able to come up with a big stop, leading to a big touchdown by Moore from Penix.

However, Oregon did not go away. A quick strike from Nix to Traeshon Holden to cut the lead to 34-31. However, the Ducks’ defense, that has been struggling all night, could not get the crucial stop to allow Bo Nix back on the field. Washington was six-for-six on third down in the second half to ice the game.

It was another great game between two of the best teams in College Football. And what a way for the Pac-12 to go out.

And if Michigan handles business Saturday night against Iowa, do we get one more Pac-12/Big Ten Matchup in the Rose Bowl Game in the Semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

Washington awaits to see who they play as the Huskies are the first team to punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.

What a way for the Pac-12 to go out with two of the best teams playing a great game. And it begs the question, should Oregon be in the playoff as well?