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

1. Washington would be in trouble without Myles Gaskin

Washington quarterback Jake Browning took a step back from his incredible sophomore campaign. The Huskies, even with two conference losses, didn’t see a commensurate decline in their offensive efficiency because of the impactful running of Myles Gaskin.

A junior, Gaskin has been a consistent chain mover for Chris Petersen’s squad since arriving in Seattle in 2015. He’s surpassed 1,300 yards in all three of his seasons, saving his most productive season for 2017 when Washington needed him the most. Gaskin’s rushing touchdown total sits at 21 after notching two touchdowns in the Fiesta Bowl. That’s more than double then 10 rushing scores he tallied a year ago.

Penn State kept the Huskies at arms length for the better part of the game, but Gaskin helped his team keep the game close time and time again. His 69-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter cut the Nittany Lion lead to seven, leaving the it up to the defense to get him one more opportunity to tote the rock.

Gaskin doesn’t have the star power of guys like Derrius Guice and Saquon Barkley. Still, he’s managed an incredible season. Whatever he decides about his future, the Huskies are indebted to him for his hard running and tenacity that made this team a contender every Saturday..