Odunze At His Best in Huskies' Big Win Over 8th-Ranked Oregon
When it mattered most, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. turned to his No. 1 receiver, who happens to have that digit draped across his chest. After Washington's defense got a critical fourth-down stop, it took the Huskies two plays to find the end zone.
The Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback turned to none other than Rome Odunze when he needed him most, who pulled in a game-winning 18-yard touchdown in front of defensive back Trikweze Bridges with 1:38 remaining of the Huskies' 36-33 victory.
"It was solid coverage, but I'm always open," Odunze said about the play. "Regardless of where the defender is at on the play, I can always make a play on the ball and Mike trusted me to do that, and luckily I was able to go up with strong hands and make a back-shoulder catch."
After Jalen McMillan re-aggravated the same injury he suffered against Michigan State, Odunze's role against Oregon's secondary became even more important.
Coming into Saturday, the Ducks were holding opponents to 153.6 passing yards per game and Odunze nearly put up those numbers himself. The junior finished his day with 8 catches for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.
"My guy versus their guy, I'm going to take my guy every time," Penix said of the team's final offensive play. "Rome shows each and every day why he's the top receiver in the nation, and he knew I was going to trust him."
In front of more than 20 NFL scouts, Odunze also made his case to be one of the top receivers taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Scouts have said that his physicality at the catch point was one of their biggest questions about him, but he's passed that test this season — making multiple contested catches, including both of his touchdowns against Oregon.
While Odunze's focus is on the season, the Las Vegas product continues to be Washington's best pass-catcher week after week. His 736 receiving yards lead the Pac-12 and his performance on Saturday only strengthens his argument for the Biletnikoff Award.
It also added to Penix's Heisman Trophy resumé — and he knew it. After his media availability on Saturday, Odunze left the press room pointing at Penix and saying, "That's the Heisman Trophy winner right there."
The way he's playing, maybe Odunze should rate some Heisman consideration, too.
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