SEATTLE, Wa — Washington showed plenty of fight in the second half, but the Huskies ran out of time against Penn State.
After falling behind by 22 points at halftime, Washington scored 19 unanswered points to pull within three in the fourth quarter. However, Penn State controlled the final 7:40 of the game with a 14-play, 70-yard drive to escape Husky Stadium with a 28-25 victory Saturday.
The loss dropped Washington to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play, while Penn State improved to the same record with its second consecutive conference victory.
The Huskies struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the first half, managing just six points while Penn State built its advantage behind a productive passing attack and explosive runs. The Nittany Lions scored 21 points in the second quarter to take a 28-6 lead into the break.
Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht completed 16 of 27 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Carson Hansen rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown, while Cam Wallace added 56 yards and a 46-yard scoring run.
Washington began its comeback after halftime with a 47-yard field goal from Tyler Robles. The Huskies’ defense followed by forcing a Penn State punt and then a turnover on downs, giving the offense an opportunity to close the gap.
Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. connected with tight end Baron Naone for a 4-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Williams then found Dezmen Roebuck for a 6-yard touchdown in the fourth, followed by a successful two-point conversion to Naone that brought Washington within 28-25 with 7:40 remaining.
Williams finished 19 of 33 passing for 172 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also rushed for 43 yards. Jayden Limar led the Huskies on the ground with 66 yards on nine carries, while Chris Lawson caught five passes for 89 yards.
Washington had momentum, but Penn State responded with its most important possession of the afternoon. Hansen broke free for a 36-yard run, helping the Nittany Lions move deep into Washington territory. The Huskies were unable to get the stop they needed, including a costly 12-men-on-the-field penalty that gave Penn State a first down.
Washington coach Jedd Fisch pointed to the communication breakdown that led to the penalty.
“We didn’t get the communication right,” Fisch said. “Very disappointing.”
Penn State eventually converted a fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak near the goal line, allowing Becht to take a knee and run out the clock.
Becht praised the way his team finished the game.
“That’s how you want to end games, just like that,” Becht said. “That last drive was awesome.”
Washington finished with 306 yards of total offense, compared with Penn State’s 414. Despite the second-half surge, the Huskies were unable to overcome their early struggles and extend their momentum from the previous week’s win at Nebraska.
Washington travels to Michigan State on Nov. 14 looking to get back on track in Big Ten play.