Washington State Football: Offense fizzles in snowy Apple Cup defeat

PULLMAN, WA - NOVEMBER 23: Andre Baccellia #5 of the Washington Huskies carries the ball against Darrien Molton #3 of the Washington State Cougars in the first half at Martin Stadium during the 111th Apple Cup on November 23, 2018 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

2. Jake Browning can still make this team win

There was a time when Jake Browning was viewed as a consensus top quarterback, not just in his conference, but the entire nation. Friday night’s performance was eons from vintage Browning, but it was similar enough to his 2016 form that the senior quarterback looked like his old self for parts of the snowy showdown.

A redzone interception on the Huskies’ first drive was the low point for Browning, who responded with two successive touchdown drives. Browning led his team down the field to start the third quarter when wide receiver Aaron Fuller threw a touchdown pass of his own on a trick play to give Washington a 20-9 lead.

Browning had help. Myles Gaskin‘s three touchdown runs and a few big plays from his wide receivers were enough to put Washington in position to win this game in the fourth quarter. Browning might not be a gunslinger any more, but he is one of the best game managers in college football. When you have an elite defense a few key skill position players, that’s enough to win more often than not.

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