Washington Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over California

2. Jake Browning remains the offensive catalyst

Myles Gaskin had another huge game for Washington. The diminutive tailback finished with 91 yards and two scores on two dozen carries. But while Gaskin’s hard running is a critical component of the Washington offense, the Huskies would not be as strong as they are without the solid play of quarterback Jake Browning.

Browning’s numbers weren’t eye-popping like we have seen from other Pac-12 quarterbacks this season. He is never going to put up the sort of stats that Apple Cup rival Luke Falk or UCLA star Josh Rosen have put up with regularity. But Browning nevertheless remains the catalyst for Washington’s success when they have the ball.

The third-year starter finished the night with 215 yards and two touchdowns through the air, as he completed 27 of his 40 passes. Browning added another 20 yards and a touchdown on the ground, keeping Cal on its toes as he scrambled effectively when necessary. It was an efficient if statistically underwhelming performance that demonstrated Browning’s ability, more than anything, to keep defenses honest.

By the middle of the fourth quarter, the coaches were comfortable enough with their lead to pull the starter from the field. It was a well-deserved early rest after another solid night of work for Browning under center.