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Defense helps No. 20 USC upset No. 4 Washington, 26-13

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No. 20 USC stunned No. 4 Washington on Saturday night in Seattle with a 26-13 victory, ending the Huskies’ bid for a perfect season.

SCORING SUMMARY

First quarter:

  • Washington K Cameron Van Winkle makes a 43-yard field goal (Washington 3, USC 0)
  • USC K Matt Boermeester makes a 37-yard field goal (Washington 3, USC 3)

Second quarter:

  • USC WR Darreus Rogers catches a 13-yard pass for a touchdown (USC 10, Washington 3)
  • Washington K Cameron Van Winkle makes a 39-yard field goal (USC 10, Washington 6)
  • USC RB Ronald Jones II scores on a four-yard run (USC 17, Washington 6)

Third quarter:

  • Washington WR John Ross scores a TD on a 70-yard reception (USC 17, Washington 13)
  • USC TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe catches an eight-yard pass for a TD (USC 24, Washington 13)

Fourth quarter:

  • Washington QB Jake Browning down in the end zone for a safety (USC 26, Washington 13)

No. 20 USC plays the spoiler, upsets No. 4 Washington, 26-13

(Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)

The task couldn’t have been larger for the Trojans. The path to the College Football Playoff couldn’t have been clearer for the Huskies.

But at the end of Saturday’s matchup between No. 20 USC and No. 4 Washington, the Trojans who slipped away into the night having stolen away the Huskies’ perfect season and clouding their future.

Both defenses recorded interceptions before the first touchdown of the game was scores, a 13-yard touchdown reception for USC receiver Darreus Rogers put the Trojans ahead, 10-3, in the second quarter.

Running back Ronald Jones II scored another touchdown for the Trojans just before halftime which game USC a 17-6 lead.

Jones finished with 93 yards rushing in 22 carries with the one score.

In the third quarter, Washington quarterback Jake Browning made it a one-score game with a 70-yard touchdown throw to John Ross to make it a 17-13 game with much of the second half left to play.

But that would be the last time the Huskies would threaten with the scoreboard.

On the Huskies’ next possession, the drove the field to set up a 38-yard field goal for Cameron Van Winkle only to see USC’s Jack Jones come down and block his kick.

Ross would finish the night’s top receiver with 154 yards receiving on eight catches. USC’s Darreus Rogers would lead the way for the Trojans with six catches for 84 yards.

In the fourth quarter, USC tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe caught an eight-yard pass to put the Trojans up 24-13 early in the fourth quarter before Browning would go down in the end zone for a safety to get the final score to 26-13.

Browning finished 17-of-36 passing for 259 yards with one touchdown and had two passes intercepted, both by USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson.

USC quarterback Sam Darnold completed 23 of his 33 passing attempts for 287 yards, two touchdowns and he too had two passes intercepted.

Washington (9-1, 6-1 in Pac-12) will host Arizona State next week.

USC (7-3, 6-2 in Pac-12) will head to the Rose Bowl next week for its annual rivalry match up with UCLA.

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Browning goes down in the end zone for a safety, USC leads Washington, 26-13

Washington’s College Football Playoff hopes are ticking away right before their fans’ eyes at Husky Stadium. And then, Jake Browning went down in the end zone, gifting USC with a two-point safety.

Browning, forced to look for the big play, connected with Dante Pettis for a 14-yard gain to pick up a first down after going incomplete on his first try of the drive.

Still looking for the big play, Browning was run down for a 21-yard loss on the next play, setting up a safety to give USC a 26-13 lead in the final minute of the game.

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USC picks off Browning and drains much of the clock

Washington quarterback Jake Browning needed something to happen. What he didn’t need was another of his passes picked off by Adoree’ Jackson, but that’s what happened.

USC took over on the Washington 35-yard line and is just four minutes, one second away from an upset of the No. 4 Huskies in their home stadium.

So they took the conservative approach, handing the ball off to Ronald Jones II and Justin Davis over and over as Washington burned two of their timeouts until the Trojans eventually turned over the ball on downs on the 12-yard line.

USC leads Washington, 24-13, with 1:49 left in the fourth quarter.

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USC punts again

Sam Darnold’s third-down pass rolled off Daniel Imatorbhebhe’s fingertips, and USC’s drive stalled at the 50-yard line.

Darreus Rogers caught a 27-yard pass in the series, but the Trojans were unable to reach a first down after a nine-yard carry by Ronald Jones II.

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Porter Gustin sacks Jake Browning twice and Washington punts

USC’s Porter Gustin and Uchenna Nwoso have made life very difficult for Jake Browning tonight, and Washington has to punt for a fourth time.

Gustin sacked Browning twice and Nwosu knocked down his pass attempt on third down.

Browning completed a 28-yard pass to Chico McClatcher and a 12-yard pass to John Ross in the series, but the completions were sandwiched by drops and overthrows.

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USC punts after penalty stalls series

USC did not punt once in the first half but now has punted three times in the second.

Taylor McNamara caught a two-yard pass before Sam Darnold had to rush an incomplete pass on second down.

Zach Banner false-started to set up third and 13, and Justin Davis was far short with a three-yard reception.

USC has six penalties for 40 yards. Washington has three for 35.

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USC’s defense keeps the pressure on, Washington goes three and out

Three and out for Washington and the Huskies punt for a third time.

Jake Browning completed a three-yard pass to Darrell Daniels in between two incomplete passes.

USC is in command of this game.

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No. 20 USC leads No. 4 Washington, 24-13, in the fourth quarter

No matter the setbacks, USC keeps rolling.

Daniel Imatorbhebhe caught a nine-yard pass for a touchdown, and the Trojans lead, 24-13, with 13:33 remaining in the game.

The Trojans had first and goal and Sam Darnold rushed for a touchdown — but it was called back when Damien Mama was called for a personal foul.

Nevertheless, three plays later the Trojans were back in the end zone.

The scoring drive covered 60 yards in nine plays and took 4:31.

Darnold completed a 30-yard pass to Deontay Burnett and a 13-yard pass to Darreus Rogers to start the series, then later found Rogers for a 17-yard completion.

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Photos from USC vs. Washington

CLICK TO SEE MORE

(Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
(Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
(Elaine Thompson / Associated Press)
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Sam Darnold intercepted, Washington field goal blocked

Taylor Rapp intercepted Sam Darnold and Washington was on the verge of converting the turnover into three points but USC blocked a 38-yard field goal attempt.

This game couldn’t get more exciting.

USC will take over at its 23-yard line.

Rapp, a freshman, has intercepted Browning twice.

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No. 20 USC leads No. 4 Washington, 17-13, in the third quarter

Jake Browning completed a 70-yard pass to John Ross for a touchdown and Husky Stadium erupted.

The scoring drive covered 70 yards in two plays and took 18 seconds.

Browning’s first-down deep pass intended for Ross was batted down by Adoree’ Jackson.

The Trojans were starting to have their way. This place just woke up.

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USC goes three and out for the first time

USC punted for a second consecutive series. It was the Trojans’ first time going three and out.

Sam Darnold was sacked to start the series. I can’t remember the last time I wrote Darnold was sacked.

He completed a seven-yard pass to Dominic Davis before his fourth-down pass to Daniel Imatorbhebhe was short of the marker.

There are 72,364 fans at Husky Stadium tonight, the largest crowd since the stadium was renovated in 2013.

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Washington goes three and out on offense

Washington made a big stop on defense to start the second half, then was quickly forced to a three and out and will punt for a second time.

Jake Browning threw an incomplete pass, Myles Gaskin rushed for a yard and Browning rushed for two to end the series.

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Washington makes a stop to start second half

Washington got the stop it needed to start the second half.

Ronald Jones II rushed for 19 yards in three consecutive carries.

The drive stalled after JuJu Smith-Schuster was tackled for a three-yard loss on a reverse, and then the Trojans were flagged for an illegal formation, negating a 15-yard reception.

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No. 20 USC leads No. 4 Washington, 17-6, at halftime

No. 20 USC leads No. 4 Washington, 17-6, at halftime.

Sam Darnold has completed 13 of 18 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, with an interception. Darnold has also rushed for 14 yards in two carries.

Daniel Imatorbhebhe, Deontay Burnett, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Darreus Rogers have each caught three passes.

Ronald Jones II has rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown in nine carries.

For Washington, Jake Browning has completed 11 of 18 passes for 123 yards, with an interception.

Myles Gaskin has rushed for 42 yards in 11 carries. John Ross has caught six passes for 72 yards.

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No. 20 USC leads No. 4 Washington, 17-6, in the second quarter

Who is the No. 4 team?

Right now, it looks like USC.

Ronald Jones II rushed for four yards and a Trojans touchdown. USC leads Washington, 17-6.

The scoring drive covered 82 yards in nine plays and took 1:59.

Sam Darnold is on fire.

Darnold completed a seven-yard pass to Darreus Rogers, a 25-yard pass to Deontay Burnett, and then a 21-yard and a 22-yard pass to Daniel Imatorbhebhe.

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No. 20 USC leads No. 4 Washington, 10-6, in the second quarter

USC is holding Washington to field goals on its home turf.

Rasheem Green sacked Jake Browning on third down, and the Huskies kicked a 39-yard field goal.

The Trojans lead, 10-6, with 2:34 remaining in the first half. The scoring drive covered 54 yards in 14 plays and took 6:17.

Myles Gasking rushed 29 yards in the series, and Jake Browning completed an eight-yard pass to Dante Pettis and a 15-yard pass to Gaskin.

Browning has been seeing a lot of the Trojans’ line in his face so far tonight. Cameron Smith knocked down a pass in the series.

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No. 20 USC leads No. 4 Washington, 10-3, in the second quarter

Husky Stadium was loud, then so quickly fell silent as Sam Darnold completed a 13-yard pass to Darreus Rogers in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.

USC leads Washington, 10-3, with 8:51 to play in the second quarter.

The Trojans moved the ball well in the first two series but had two costly mistakes. Third time around, no mistakes and it’s a touchdown.

Darnold has had all day to pass and run. He rushed for nine yards and later completed a six-yard pass to Rogers on third down and a 23-yard pass to Daniel Imatorbhebhe.

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Adoree’ Jackson intercepts Jake Browning

Jake Browning had plenty of time, stood back and threw deep downfield — to Adoree’ Jackson.

That’s Jackson’s third interception of the season, and from the press box you could see the pick coming a mile away.

The Trojans’ defense continues to play well.

Prior to the interception, Porter Gustin knocked down Browning’s pass at the line of scrimmage.

Both teams now have one turnover.

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No. 4 Washington and USC tied, 3-3, in the first quarter

Tyler Petite dropped Sam Darnold’s third-down pass, and USC kicked a 38-yard field goal to tie the game, 3-3, with 41 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

The scoring drive covered 53 yards in eight plays and took 3:11.

The Trojans have made two mistakes in their first two series that have been somewhat costly, between Darnold’s interception and Petite’s dropped pass that would have been a first down.

The good news for the Trojans is that they’ve been able to move the ball really well against the Huskies’ defense so far.

Deontay Burnett caught two passes in the series, one for 20 yards and another for two.

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No. 4 Washington leads USC, 3-0, in the first quarter

Washington kicked a 43-yard field goal and leads USC, 3-0, with 3:58 to play in the first quarter.

The scoring drive covered 45 yards in 10 plays and took 5:05.

The Trojans’ defense has done a nice job not allowing the Huskies to get around the edge, but the secondary has given up a few big plays.

Jake Browning converted twice on third down with a 13-yard and then a 12-yard pass to John Ross.

Ross has three catches for 49 yards.

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Sam Darnold throws interception in opening series

USC was moving the ball well until Sam Darnold threw into triple coverage and was intercepted by Taylor Rapp.

The Huskies will take over on their own 29-yard line.

The Trojans were cruising down the field, with the exception of two false starts by Damien Mama.

Ronald Jones II rushed for 14 yards in three carries, and JuJu Smith-Schuster caught two passes for 30 yards.

The Trojans converted twice on third down.

It is a good thing that USC Coach Clay Helton blasted the Washington fight song all week at practice. This place is loud.

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USC makes a big stop in first defensive series

Washington came out firing, but USC’s defense made two nice plays and the Huskies punted.

Jake Browning completed a short pass to John Ross III that turned into a 23-yard gain on the first play of the game.

Then, Browning completed a nine-yard pass to Myles Gaskin before the speedy Ross was tracked down by Uchenna Nwosu and tackled in the backfield. That stop was a drive-changer for the Trojans.

Browning’s deep third-down pass fell incomplete.

Husky Stadium is loud.

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USC injury updates

USC tailbacks Justin Davis and Aca’Cedric Ware are suited and expected to play tonight against Washington.

Davis has been since sidelined the last three weeks because of a high-ankle sprain. Ware was sidelined last week against Oregon after he sprained his ankle during practice.

Defensive lineman Stevie Tu’ikolovatu suffered a knee injury against Oregon last week but is likely to play tonight.

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USC vs. Washington: How they match up

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Most intriguing story line: Opponents of the College Football Playoff system worried that it would water down the sport’s regular season. So far, such concern has proved unfounded. Saturday is proof that each game is critical. No. 4 Washington sits on the cusp of the playoff, but a loss would be crushing. No. 20 USC isn’t playoff-bound but can still attain a Rose Bowl berth if it wins out and catches a break from Colorado and Utah.

USC pass offense vs. Washington pass defense: The Huskies, who have the No. 13 passing defense in the nation, have given up more than 200 passing yards only twice this season. USC quarterback Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown for fewer than 200 yards. He has averaged 290 yards passing per game as the starter, and USC has generated more than 500 yards of offense in five consecutive games. Darnold’s top receiving target, JuJu Smith-Schuster, has been bothered by a back injury for nearly a month. In two games playing with the injury, he hasn’t been his usual self, catching eight passes for 76 yards. Washington’s secondary is formidable. Helton said that cornerbacks Sidney Jones and Kevin King and safety Budda Baker are all future NFL players.

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Washington has thrived under Coach Chris Petersen’s exacting approach

(Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

He may not be a perfect fit at other places, but he’s a perfect fit at Washington.

— Skip Hall, who spent 12 years as an assistant at Washington under legendary coach Don James and is a close friend of Petersen

On the floor below the conference room where Chris Petersen meets with a small contingent from the news media each week, reminders of Washington’s past success on the football field fill a series of glass display cases.

The front page of a local newspaper from Petersen’s introduction as head coach on a December afternoon almost three years ago is wedged in a corner next to scratched-up helmets and vintage jerseys. The headline hasn’t faded:

“Dream hire.”

That’s the level of expectation Petersen brought from Boise State to Washington, and it’s being realized on the field.

“This isn’t just something that’s happened by fate or by luck,” said Skip Hall, who spent 12 years as an assistant at Washington under legendary coach Don James and is a close friend of Petersen. “He may not be a perfect fit at other places, but he’s a perfect fit at Washington.”

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USC returns to Husky Stadium for first time since 2009

No shirt, no problem for USC receiver Jalen Greene.

Greene ran onto the field for warmups without a top on, even though it’s windy and cold in Seattle with ominous skies. So far this afternoon, the rain has held off, and forecasts say it should remain dry throughout the night.

USC last played at Husky Stadium in 2009, before it underwent renovations. The then-No. 3 Trojans were upset by Washington, 16-13, on a last-minute field goal.

Last season the Huskies defeated the Trojans, 17-12, at the Coliseum.

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Darnold and Browning meet at last; with a USC win, they might meet again

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

I’ve watched him a couple weeks now. Obviously they’re a great team. They’re No. 4 in the nation for a reason.

— USC quarterback Sam Darnold

USC quarterback Sam Darnold has proven to be instinctive and elusive, and that extends to his responses when he is compared with Washington quarterback Jake Browning.

His assessment of Browning?

“I’ve watched him a couple weeks now,” Darnold said. “Obviously they’re a great team. They’re No. 4 in the nation for a reason.”

Was he excited by the matchup of arguably the two best quarterbacks in the Pac-12 Conference?

“You look forward to challenges,” Darnold said. “And they’re a great team overall. Great defense. He’s a great player, obviously.”

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