University of Washington
6-0 , 3-0
California
3-3 , 0-3
No. 6 Washington Tops Cal 38-7 at Husky Stadium
October 07, 2017 | Football
SEATTLE (AP) — Freshman tight end Hunter Bryant had nine catches for 121 yards and an a touchdown, Jake Browning threw for two scores and ran for another, and No. 6 Washington cruised to a 38-7 victory over California on Saturday night.
Bryant was a standout on an otherwise routine, late-night thumping by the Huskies. It wasn't a flashy performance full of major highlights for the Huskies (6-0, 3-0 Pac-12), yet was a thorough domination of the Golden Bears.
Washington held California (3-3, 0-3) to 46 total yards in the first half and the Bears finished with just 93 total yards thanks to losing 41 yards on the final play of the game when a field goal attempt was mishandled by California.
The 93 total yards are fifth fewest allowed by Washington in school history.
Browning was 27 of 40 for 215 yards passing and had a 21-yard touchdown run on a fourth-down option play in the first half. Myles Gaskin added touchdown runs of 8 and 7 yards, and even defensive players got in on the act for Washington. Sophomore defensive end Justiss Warren caught a 2-yard TD pass from Browning after lining up as a fullback.
But Bryant was the start of the night. Bryant had 10 catches for 158 yards on the season coming into Saturday, but the potential he has shown in those limited flashes was entirely on display against the Bears. No play was better than Bryant wrestling a touchdown away from California defensive back Josh Drayden in the first quarter to give the Huskies an early 7-0 lead. It was a risky throw by Browning, but Bryant had enough control of the ball when he hit the turf that officials awarded touchdown.
Bryant was targeted 11 times and five of his receptions went for first downs.
"Hopefully, this is a confidence builder and booster for him and hopefully we can keep building," Washington coach Chris Petersen said.
California's one highlight came on Darius Allensworth's 37-yard fumble return for a touchdown late in the third quarter after Dante Pettis lost control of the ball trying to make a move in the open field.
California quarterback Ross Bowers was under duress all night by Washington's pass rush. Bowers finished 11 of 18 for 80 yards and was sacked seven times, most of the pressure coming from just three or four rushers.
"We didn't do anything on offense to give us a chance," California coach Justin Wilcox said. "We're going to have to re-evaluate some things."
THE TAKEAWAY
WIf there was one complaint it would be the Huskies downfield passing game. Aside from Bryant, Washington had only four pass plays of 10 or more yards and none longer than 13.
UP NEXT
The Huskies play at Arizona State next Saturday night.
Team Stats
CAL 0, WASH 7
WASH - Bryant, Hunter 11 yd pass from Browning, Jake (Vizcaino, T. kick) 11 plays, 64 yards, TOP 4:44
CAL 0, WASH 10
WASH - Soderberg, Van 23 yd field goal 11 plays, 45 yards, TOP 3:39
CAL 0, WASH 17
WASH - Browning, Jake 21 yd run (Soderberg, Van kick), 9 plays, 64 yards, TOP 3:32
CAL 0, WASH 24
WASH - Gaskin, Myles 8 yd run (Soderberg, Van kick), 4 plays, 27 yards, TOP 1:26
CAL 0, WASH 31
WASH - Warren, Jusstis 2 yd pass from Browning, Jake (Soderberg, Van kick) 16 plays, 90 yards, TOP 6:25
CAL 7, WASH 31
CAL - Allensworth, Da 37 yd fumble recovery (Anderson, Matt kick)
CAL 7, WASH 38
WASH - Gaskin, Myles 7 yd run (Soderberg, Van kick), 7 plays, 44 yards, TOP 3:51
