In other words, had the field been 99 yards long instead of 100, the Penix-led offense would have scored seven touchdowns Saturday.
“One of the biggest testaments to his character is the ability to continue to move plays and continue to extend plays,” Taualapapa said. “It’s easy to follow a leader like that. Of course, he’s always going to be humble and what not, but we know he’s one of the best quarterbacks to ever grace an offense.”
Indeed, Penix is going to remain humble. He went out of his way to praise teammates Saturday — particularly his offensive line — noting that the Spartans recorded no sacks. Even when asked directly to comment on his own performance, he refused, saying “I know you’re trying to say it’s about me, but it’s not about me.”
Well, it’s not all about Penix. The Huskies used each phase of the game to establish themselves as a national threat Saturday, taking a 39-14 lead before two late Michigan State touchdowns elicited a modest scare. The defense held the Spartans to 42 rushing yards, and Polk tallied 153 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. But the QB was the main course on the Montlake menu.
This didn’t look like a fluke game for Penix, who compiled 682 passing yards and six touchdowns against one pick in his first two outings of the year. His ability to stay healthy may still linger (he has never played more than six games in any of his previous four collegiate seasons) but his ability to produce seems firmly established.
As Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer said: “You got a guy you can win football games with, not a guy who can just manage a game.”
Polk took it a step further when asked about his quarterback: “I don’t think nobody has seen anything just yet.”
No, they definitely saw something. Something special. The best may be yet to come for Penix — but that was the best this program has seen in years.
I love this kid, and sure hope that Huard is learning, because I don't see how Penix stays healthy and doesn't go pro. That said, I love the above. Big bad Michigan State, not only did we throw it all over the yard and they never recorded a sack, but they ran for 42 freaking yards! Our young guys outside need some seasoning, and I am STILL pissed at all talk Jimmy for having NO CBs ready for this season. But damn, Big Bad Big 10, can't run it and can't sack our QB. Beautiful!
