Penn State Faces Washington With Bowl Eligibility at Stake

Penn State takes its conference-best pass defense to Seattle to face Washington, with bowl eligibility at stake for the Huskies. Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has thrown for 1,495 yards and nine touchdowns, added 282 rushing yards, been sacked 21 times and thrown three interceptions. His receiving options include Chris Lawson, coming off consecutive 100-yard games and a 155-yard performance against Nebraska, and Dezmen Roebuck, a Big Ten receptions leader. Penn State’s secondary showed it could withstand extra targeting against Purdue, while safety Jamison Patton’s interception illustrated how coverage and pressure can create turnovers. Washington linebacker Alex McLaughlin leads the team in tackles and recently returned an interception for a game-clinching touchdown. Penn State allows 141.2 passing yards per game, and its recent conference losses have largely come against strong rushing attacks.