College football fans wanted nothing more than a rematch between the No. 3 Washington Huskies and No. 5 Oregon Ducks following their instant classic in October when Kalen DeBoer’s team won 36-33 after Oregon kicker Camden Lewis missed a field goal in the game’s final seconds.
That came true in the final Pac-12 Championship, as the arch-rivals squared off for a second time inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the final conference title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. For most of the first half, it seemed like the Huskies would run away with the rematch, but Washington.
Defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell came out with an impressive game plan that held the Ducks without a first down on three of their five possessions and gave the Huskies a 20-3 lead at one point in the first half.
On the other side, Washington’s receivers were at full strength for the first time in months, as wide receiver Jalen McMillan returned and had an exceptional game, leading the Huskies with 9 catches for 131 yards.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 319 yards, 1 interception, and the game-winning touchdown to tight end Quentin Moore late in the fourth quarter, but the biggest hero of the day was running back Dillon Johnson.
Woke up a champion 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/5Dm1bXS5Y1
— Dillon Johnson (@Dill_7k) December 2, 2023
Johnson, who suffered a fractured right foot less than two weeks earlier against the Oregon State Beavers, ran for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns on one of the nation’s best rush defenses.
He also added a 5-yard passing touchdown to wide receiver Germie Bernard and an 18-yard run on third and 9 in a gutsy performance that helped the Huskies secure a 34-31 victory and their spot in the Sugar Bowl.
Other contributors included Rome Odunze, who returned to his hometown and pulled in 8 receptions for 102 yards while defensively, Mishael Powell pulled in Washington’s only turnover, picking off quarterback Bo Nix two plays after the Ducks intercepted Penix.
The Ducks closed the gap in the second half and took a lead late in the third quarter, but the Huskies responded with touchdowns on their next two possessions to secure the victory.
As we look back through Washington’s magical run to the national championship in 2023, enjoy some of the best photos of the journey from our USA TODAY network of photographers.
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