To rattle an undersized, outmanned and often-times confused Portland State defense for more than 100 rushing yards was one thing.
But to back it up with a career-high 144 yards rushing against the nation’s top rushing defense – and arguably the meanest, thickest front seven in the Pacific-12 Conference in Stanford – is a whole different accomplishment.
Maybe Bishop Sankey isn’t the weak link in the University of Washington’s pass-first offense.
Maybe the Spokane product is steadily developing into a top-quality tailback in the Pac-12 the more carries he receives.
Receiver Kasen Williams might have won it with his 35-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown with just under five minutes to go, but Sankey’s 61-yard TD jaunt on the final play of the third quarter certainly restored the buzz on the UW sideline.
The Huskies upset the eighth-ranked Cardinal, 17-13, on Thursday night at CenturyLink Field.
UW coach Steve Sarkisian said he liked the second-level matchups for his playmakers once they got through Stanford’s “armored front” – one that had allowed just 125 rushing yards total in three games before the Sankey invasion.
Leading up to his big play, Sankey dealt with his share of 2- and 3-yard carries.
But after quarterback Keith Price’s 10-yard pass to Williams left the offense 1 yard short of a first down at the Huskies’ 39, Sarkisian decided to go for it on fourth down.
Sankey went off right guard against nine Stanford defenders in the box, darted through a hole and found daylight.
The only man remaining to beat was free safety Ed Reynolds, and Sankey gave him enough of a wiggle that when the junior lunged at him, he touched nothing but air.
“I saw a glimpse of him … stepped out of his (reach),” Sankey said. “After that, it was off to the races.”
What has changed in the three weeks Sankey has become the full-time tailback?
“I feel like I am learning to be more patient as a runner, just weighing my options out before I decide to pick a hole,” Sankey said.
ROCK-SOLID MIDDLE
This was a game meant for UW linebacker Thomas Tutogi, who seems to shine against rushing attacks who come straight at him.
Tutogi led the Huskies with 10 tackles – six of them solo – and he was a big reason that Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor went nowhere, rushing for 75 yards on 21 carries.
“I was hoping for the (straight-into-the-middle running) all night,” Tutogi said. “And I got it a couple of times, and had to do my job.”
PUYALLUP’S GARNETT PLAYS AS FRESHMAN
Josh Garnett’s top goal leaving Puyallup High was to play as a true freshman at Stanford.
And he is one of three newcomers playing on the offensive line.
On Thursday, Garnett played six plays – four in the Cardinal’s seven-linemen sets, and during both field-goal attempts.
“We probably have one of the most confusing offenses in the nation, and I have learned a lot being in that package – being that second right guard – from seeing these older guys who are going to be great NFL linemen someday.” Garnett said. “But I am still confused, honestly. I take it day-by-day.”
EXTRA POINTS
Sophomore James Atoe became the fourth different starter at right tackle Thursday for the UW this season. Shane Brostek took over at Atoe’s right-guard spot. … Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, from Gig Harbor, caught two passes, and now has 63 receptions for his career. The all-time record for a tight end is 67, set by John Brady. … Placekicker Travis Coons made his first start at punter. He was the first to make a field goal (44-yarder) and punt in the same game since Jared Ballman did against Oregon State in 2008.
todd.milles@thenewstribune.com 253-597-8442 blogs.thenewstribune.com/uw #ManyHatsMilles
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.