USC upsets No. 4 Washington to damage Playoff profile

No. 4 Washington's biggest criticism in reaching the College Football Playoff — that it hasn't beaten enough top-tier teams on its schedule — was punctuated in Saturday's 26-13 loss to USC, one of the Huskies' toughest opponent to date, in Pac-12 action.

Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold thew for 287 yards and two touchdowns, while the USC defense flustered Washington's Heisman candidate QB Jake Browning with pressure and held the Huskies' rushing attack to 17 yards.

Browning, one of the country's most efficient passers, finished 17-for-36 with 259 passing yards and threw an interception with 4:09 remaining to all but impede any comeback hopes. He then was sacked for a safety with under a minute remaining. The Huskies' defense struggled with two of their top defenders, Joe Mathis (out for season with foot surgery) and Azeem Victor (lower right leg), out with injuries.

Darnold was outstanding against one of the top defenses in the Pac-12, showing why USC has surged since he became the starter. Darnold's lofted pass over linebacker D.J. Beavers and into the arms of tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe for an 8-yard touchdown strike in the opening moments of the fourth quarter gave USC an 11-point lead that Washington (9-1, 6-1 Pac-12, No. 4 CFP) couldn't overcome.

Ronald Jones II added 93 yards rushing and a touchdown. USC (7-3, 6-2, No. 20 CFP) won its sixth straight and should get back into the Coaches Poll top 25 rankings. The Trojans also kept alive their slim hopes of winning the Pac-12 South.

Contributing: The Associated Press. 

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