Michael Penix Jr. shows off franchise QB traits in upset win vs. Oregon

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If your favorite NFL team is looking for the most underrated quarterback prospect in next year’s draft class, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. should be at the top of their list.

Despite facing a top-10 team in one of the most hostile road environments in all of college football, Penix led the No. 25 Huskies to a comeback upset against No. 6 Oregon at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

Penix completed 26 of his 35 passes for 408 yards and a pair of touchdowns, as Washington came from behind in the fourth quarter to score a 37-34 win.

Showing off all the traits that could make him a franchise quarterback at the next level, Penix’s touchdown passes came from 76 and 62 yards out, respectively. The latter gave Washington the lead late in the third quarter, and the former tied it up again with three minutes remaining in the game.

I mean, a hole shot from the far hash for a 62-yard score to tie the game in the final minutes? Come on, now:

Penix also showed the mental toughness to bounce back from an ugly mistake, overcoming a head-scratching interception on a 1st-and-goal late in the game that kept the Huskies from tying the game even earlier.

A fifth-year senior transfer from Indiana, Penix should be getting way more respect as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL draft class.

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