SEATTLE -- With Washington picking up its first win over a top 10 team since 2009 in knocking off Stanford, 17-13, there are plenty of positives to point out.
In fact, so many players performed well, it was tough to sort out this week’s Washington top 10.
The Huskies, ranked No. 23 this week, will need a similar effort if they want to take down No. 2 Oregon in Eugene. The Cardinal came into Seattle holding a four-game win streak over Washington. Well, the Ducks have beaten the Huskies eight times in row.
As Washington prepares to try and pull off a second straight upset over a top 10 team, here is a look at this week’s top 10 Huskies, focusing on who played well against Stanford:
1. CB Desmond Trufant
The senior started the celebration in the waning minutes of the game, picking off a Josh Nunes pass that sealed the win. Trufant also broke up a pair of passes, and it seemed fitting a that a defensive player unseat quarterback Keith Price in the top spot this week considering how dominant Washington’s defense was in the win.
2. WR Kasen Williams
Williams caught 10 passes for 129 yards and his 35-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter gave the Huskies their first lead of the game.
3. RB Bishop Sankey
When Washington was in trouble in the third quarter, trailing by 10 points after Stanford scored on a pick-six, the sophomore stepped up. Facing a fourth-and-1 on the ensuing possession, Sankey scored a 61-yard touchdown. He finished the game with 144 rushing yards, gaining more by himself than the combined total (124 yards) Stanford had allowed over its first three games.
4. QB Keith Price
Washington’s quarterback took some big hits, but he picked himself off the CenturyLink Field turf each time. He completed 19 of 37 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown. He did throw an interception that was returned for a touchdown in the third quarter, but didn’t let it rattle him. He recovered to throw the go-ahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
5. S Shaq Thompson
There is a reason the Washington coaching staff felt it had to get the true freshman in the Huskies’ starting lineup on defense. In just his fourth start, Thompson finished second on the team in tackles against the Cardinal with seven.
6. LB Travis Feeney
Moved to linebacker due to injuries this fall, Feeney has found a fit at the position. The redshirt freshman is taking advantage of his length and athleticism, recording six tackles against Stanford.
7. LB John Timu
Before the season, coach Steve Sarkisian praised Timu’s development. Against the Cardinal, the sophomore showed what Sarkisian was talking about, finished with six tackles and a sack.
8. C Drew Schaefer
While the offensive line struggled, the senior is being called upon to carry to the unit. His leadership will help his young teammates develop throughout the rest of the season.
9. K Travis Coons
Coons was called upon to add punter to his list of in-game duties. The junior college transfer played well, especially after corralling a bad snap in the first quarter. He was forced to boot the ball with his left foot, sending it 30 yards downfield. He finished the day averaging 38.9 yards on nine punts. He also made a 43-yard field goal in the first quarter.
10. S Sean Parker and Justin Glenn
The safeties combined for nine tackles. Parker forced a fumble and Glenn broke up a pass, contributing to the Huskies' impressive defensive effort against the Cardinal.