Stanford Comes Up Just Short Of Upsetting No. 5 Washington

The Stanford Cardinal had the Washington Huskies on the ropes on Saturday

In a game where they were 27.5-point underdogs against the No. 5 Washington Huskies, many assumed that Stanford would roll over, but that is far from the case.

The Cardinal limited the Washington offense, which happens to be one of the best in the country to just one score in the first quarter, They also were able to answer to tie it up, and eventually erase what was a 14-point lead for Washington as Stanford added two unanswered field goals to make it 21-13 heading into the half.

When Washington came out in the third quarter, Stanford's defense came up clutch. This allowed Stanford to score a touchdown, but they did fail on the two-point conversion, making it 21-19. After another Huskies score, Stanford again answered with a touchdown of their own to make it 28-26.

When it came down to the fourth quarter, Stanford had two massive defensive plays that kept them in it. It started with a forced fumble by Tevarua Tafiti, which led to a Justin Lamson rushing touchdown to bring the game within two points making it 35-33. In the ensuing Washington drive, Zahran Manley picked off Washington's Michael Penix Jr. in the end zone with a spectacular grab that he ripped right out of the hands of the receiver. 

Interception!!!! pic.twitter.com/HqJa1As7wj

— Inside The Stanford Cardinal (@InsideStanford) October 29, 2023

Stanford had a prime opportunity to charge down the field and set up a game-winning score, but on a fourth-and-two, the unthinkable happened. As Troy Taylor is known for, he drew up a fantastic play that the defense was unprepared for that had Tiger Bachmeier taking a toss in the backfield and throwing it. Unfortunately, Stanford receiver Jayson Raines dropped the pass despite being wide-open. 

What a play call. Tough play 😔 pic.twitter.com/epeFlvYvFz

— Inside The Stanford Cardinal (@InsideStanford) October 29, 2023

The Huskies would go on to add another score to extend the lead to nine, and Daniels would go on to get sacked on fourth down the following drive to end the game. Stanford ended up losing 42-33, but they again showed major improvements and appear to be headed in the right direction.