The defense provided the opportunities, but the University of Washington’s beleaguered offense could not capitalize as the 11th-ranked USC Trojans held off the Huskies 24-14 Saturday night at a nearly full house of 66,202 at Century Link Field.
The Huskies (3-3, 1-2) managed only 14 first downs and 299 yards of total offense, 87 in a miserable first half. Quarterback Keith Price had two splendid touchdown passes, but also had two picks and lost fumbles on Huskies’ final two possessions, one at the USC 3-yard line with 11 minutes left in the game.
Washington’s defense solved USC’s rushing game over the final 34 minutes, shutting out the visitors, but the UW offense could do nothing with three consecutive three-and-outs from the USC offense to start the second half.
The Huskies were also hurt by a punt blocked by USC’s Anthony Brown, who picked up the ball and scored on a 21-yard return with 4:41 left in the second quarter — USC’s final score.
Washington closed to 24-14 in the third quarter when Austin Seferian-Jenkins caught a 29-yard touchdown from Price, but on the the next possession, Travis Coons missed a 45-yard field goal.
