A playoff push, a Heisman preferred and the far-reaching ramifications

• Kyle Bonagura, ESPN

  • Personnel WriterOct 16, 2023, 09:30 AM ET Close Covers the Pac-12.
  • Signed up with ESPN in 2014.
  • Gone To Washington State University.SEATTLE– Washington wide

receiver Rome Odunze’s connection with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is nearly supernatural. “We sort of have that Spidey sense for one another,”Odunze said.A subtle gesture can be analyzed to receive game-changing info, and never was it better than with simply under two minutes left in Washington’s 36-33 win versus Oregon on Saturday. Trailing 33-29 at the Ducks’20-yard line, the Huskies approached the line of scrimmage with a playcall in hand.Penix rapidly scoured the defense and liked what he saw. He took a quick appearance in Odunze’s instructions, divided out large left in single protection. “He type of gave me the head nod to do what I required to do,”Odunze said.The nod roughly translated to: Forget

the path we had called up. I like this individually match for you.

It’s time for you to make a game-winning play. “He threw it up, gave me a shot, believed in me,”Odunze said.Editor’s Picks 2 Related That faith was rewarded.

Odunze came down with back-shoulder pass for the consent score, sending Husky Arena into a craze. When the Ducks’

basket effort missed out on large right minutes later, fans soaked the field to commemorate one of the biggest wins in school history.”I think [the success] embodies everything that we have actually done over the last year and a half, two years,”UW coach Kalen DeBoer stated.

“We keep saying it: If it’s close, we’re going to find a way to win. We’re developed for this, and we’re produced this.”This was not the Huskies’most total performance of the season. Far from it. They had won conveniently– and primarily in dominant style– in their very first 5 games. But it

was their most difficult opponent, and it does have the widest-reaching ramifications.At the middle of the season, Washington has actually established itself as the clear favorite in arguably the deepest conference in the country. The Pac-12 entered into the weekend with 7 ranked teams; and while among them– Washington State– lost on Saturday and fell from the AP Top 25, that does not alter the fact that this is the very best the conference has actually remained in a number of years.Given the league’s strength, it’s extremely most likely even a one-loss Pac-12 champion will remain in position to earn a berth to the College Football Playoff. With potentially a minor margin for error, the Huskies are in an excellent position

as the only remaining undefeated team amongst their conference brethren.Then there is the matter of a particular stiff-arm trophy.Penix was currently the betting favorite to win the Heisman before his completely positioned toss to Odunze provided among the most unforgettable moments of the college football season. That it was available in a game in which he outdueled one of the other favorites– Oregon quarterback Bo Nix– and on

a day when the returning winner, USC’s Caleb Williams, had among his worst career games just solidified Penix’s standing. Steph Chambers/Getty Images What might not have been clear seeing on tv– it definitely wasn’t obvious high up in journalism box– was that Penix fought significant cramping through most of the second half.

“He’s simply stooped over just attempting to get a snap, and even some of the playcalls might have even been impacted as far as the tempo and rhythm just to let him catch his wind,”DeBoer said.When the Huskies had successive three-and-outs in the 3rd quarter after taking an 11-point lead, possibly it needs to have shown something was incorrect. “I suggest, he’s simply been through it for a lot of years,”DeBoer stated.” There’s no chance you’re pulling him off the field because minute.”Penix’s demeanor never ever altered. “I wish to state I’m cool, calm and gathered, “Penix described after the game. “I don’t truly get expensive or too low in any pressure minutes.”As the soft-spoken Penix fielded questions, Odunze came bounding down the stairs of the auditorium where the news conference was held.

“You’re looking at the Heisman Trophy winner right there, “Odunze wailed.He may be right. If the award was voted on today, Penix would should have to be a near-unanimous winner. If not him, then who?Penix leads the nation in lawns passing per game(383.5)and passing touchdowns per game (3.33), and he is second in QBR(91.2) and backyards per effort( 10.7)

. All 4 of those statistics are better than Williams’ from last season, when he escaped

with the award.Of course, it’s still early. History is cluttered with players and groups who looked the part halfway through the season only to fade into obscurity; and the 2nd half of the season will be far more difficult than the first.In theory, neither of the next two contests– against visiting Arizona State and at Stanford– need to position much of a hazard to Washington’s undefeated record. After that, things heat up, with a Heisman showcase of a game at No. 18 USC; in the house versus No. 14 and two-time protecting Pac-12 champ Utah; at No. 12 Oregon State; and in Seattle for what has the potential to be a very bitter final Apple Cup before Washington and Washington State go their different ways.The possibility of a truly unique season is there, and it’s something DeBoer appears intent on valuing along the method.” There is nothing more special as a football coach than to see these guys just taking pleasure in that minute we simply had out there,”he said. “They’re going to remember this permanently. These games are substantial. These are the ones they’re going to talk about at reunions and whatever takes place the remainder of the season that’ll add to it.”