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Washington pulls off road upset of No. 17 USC

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Unranked Washington walked into Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and pulled off the 17-12 upset of No. 17 USC on Thursday night. With the loss, the Trojans have now been beaten in back-to-back home games for the first time since 2001, Pete Carroll's first season at USC.

Here's what you need to know:

  • USC head coach Steve Sarkisian opted to attempt a 46-yard field goal with under four minutes to go and the Trojans trailing by five. Alex Wood's attempt was no good, and with USC holding only one timeout, the Huskies were able to pick up a first down on their ensuing drive and run out the clock.
  • It was an ugly one for USC quarterback Cody Kessler. The Heisman hopeful went 16-of-29 for 156 yards with no touchdowns and two first-quarter interceptions. It was the first time in 12 games Kessler failed to pass for at least 200 yards.
  • Washington freshman QB Jake Browning wasn't really any better, going 16-of-32 for 137 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. He did get some help though, as wide receiver Marvin Hall threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Joshua Perkins on a trick play in the third quarter.
  • USC's streak of scoring a first-quarter touchdown came to an end after 18 games. The Trojans didn't manage to reach the end zone until a Ronald Jones 1-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.
  • The running game was a bright spot for USC, with Tre Madden rushing for 120 yards on 17 carries while Jones added 65 yards and a score.
  • Washington also found a lot more success on the ground. Myles Gaskin had 134 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
  • The game may have hinged on third-down conversions, where the Huskies were six-of-17 while the Trojans converted just one of 13 attempts.
  • The game marked Sarkisian's first game against his old team after he coached Washington from 2009 to 2013. He was hired by USC prior to last season but the two teams did not play in 2014.

Play of the Game

While the choice could easily have been the trick play that brought the Huskies their first touchdown, the Play of the Game goes to Brayden Lenius on this incredible 22-yard catch in the third quarter that is a definite candidate for catch of the year.

Washington WR Brayden Lenius reaches over a defender to make this #SCtop10 catch.

Next up, things don't get any easier for USC as the Trojans will go on the road to battle Notre Dame. Washington, meanwhile, will look to keep the momentum going when the Huskies host Oregon.

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