Washington Football: 3 Takeaways from Fiesta Bowl loss to Penn State

Washington football fell to Penn State in a thrilling Fiesta Bowl as they were unable to slow down the prolific Nitanny Lion offense.

More: Complete 2017-2018 bowl schedule

Penn State just missed a trip to the College Football Playoff in 2016. Washington was there. Both teams put together solid 2017 campaigns but a few ill-timed losses for each squad earned them invitations to the Fiesta Bowl rather than a New Year’s Six bowl berth.

The Nittany Lions jumped out to an early lead on the arm of quarterback Trace McSorely. He connected with DaeSean Hamilton on a 48-yard strike in the first quarter to give his team the lead. Despite several bursts from the Huskies they were never able to find the equalizer. Penn State jumped out to a 28-7 lead thanks to the unsurprising heroics of Saquon Barkley and watched their defense do just enough to hang for the victory.

Washington would have their chance. Penn State had the opportunity to put the game away in the final minute but missed a 45-yard field goal. Browning and the offense would take over with the chance to rally, but they ran out of time. The Huskies were unable to find one more miracle play in their bag of tricks and fell to the Nittany Lions by a final score of 35-28.

Here are three takeaways from Penn State’s Fiesta Bowl win over Washington.