Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. earned strong praise for his performance in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball against the Oregon Ducks in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
ArticlesCollege FootballFeaturedBy Michael Dixon on

Michael Penix Jr. was great at the beginning of Friday night’s Pac-12 Championship Game between the Oregon Ducks and his Washington Huskies. Most importantly, though, Penix was great at the end of the game.

Washington dominated most of the first half, opening up a 20-3 lead in the second quarter. But Oregon climbed back into the game with a touchdown just before halftime and another on the first possession of the third quarter. The Huskies struggled to answer. Penix threw an interception on Washington’s first possession of the second half, then the Huskies turned the ball over on downs. That opened the door for Oregon to take a 24-20 lead. It’s also when Penix went back to work.

Washington retook the lead on the next possession on a 10-play, 75-yard drive capped off with a one-yard touchdown run from Dillon Johnson. On the drive, Penix was 3-for-4, passing for 55 yards. He also picked up five yards on the ground.

After the Huskies forced an Oregon punt, Penix and the offense again took over. Penix was 5-for-8, passing for 57 yards. In total, it was a 12-play, 82-yard drive that ate up 6:20. The drive culminated on a two-yard touchdown pass from Penix to Quentin Moore.

Oregon did respond quickly, scoring on a 63-yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix to Traeshon Holden, but never got the ball back. Penix and Jalen McMillan connected on a six-yard pass to pick up a big first down. That allowed the Huskies to put the game away on an 18-yard run from Johnson.

Penix finished the game 27-for-39, passing for 319 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His performance and particularly what he did in the fourth quarter left people impressed and earned him a lot of Heisman Trophy buzz.

Penix certainly gave Heisman voters a strong final memory.

The win also ensures that Washington will be one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff.

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