Maybe the Huskies’ perfect season exceeded its expiration date long ago and Saturday’s 26-13 loss to USC shouldn’t be so shocking.
Ever since the Huskies lost defensive end Joe Mathis, their sack leader, to a season-ending foot injury four weeks ago, UW’s pass rush has been virtually nonexistent.
Against USC, No. 4 Washington had difficulty creating any pressure on Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold, who looked surprisingly comfortable in the pocket against what had been the Pac-12’s stingiest defense.
“I’m always comfortable with those guys in front of me and I always know that unless they bring an extra guy I’m not going to have to run around,” Darnold said.