Washington Vs. Cal Play Breakdown: Chris Polk's Touchdown Reception

A look at Chris Polk's 70-yard touchdown pass in the Washington Huskies' win over the California Golden Bears on Saturday.

The Price Is Right: Say Hello To Washington's Next Great Quarterback

Quarterback Keith Price is winning fans and has become a premier weapon in the Washington Huskies offense after four weeks. He is currently off to one of the best starts at the quarterback position in Husky history.

Washington Vs. Cal: Huskies Hold Off Bears, Win 31-23

It took 59 minutes and 39 seconds of football until the Washington Huskies knew they were going to beat the California Golden Bears in Saturday's Pac-12 opener.

Down by eight points, with less than 30 seconds left in the game, the Bears were at the Huskies two yard line on fourth down and on the cusp of potentially tying the game and sending it to overtime.

To the Huskies' fortune, Bears quarterback Zach Maynard was unable to connect with wide receiver Keenan Allen in the end zone and the Bears turned the ball over on downs to the Huskies.

The Bears were the first on the scoreboard after Maynard connected with Allen for a 90 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter ; it was the longest reception in Cal history.

Allen's catch foreshadowed what the Huskies defense struggled to defend again all day long. Maynard threw for a season high 349 yards with his half-brother Allen hauling in 197 of those yards on ten catches.

Despite the defense's struggles, the Husky offense continued their strong play and carried the team to victory. Huskies quarterback Keith Price connected with freshman tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins for a pair of 20-yard touchdowns in the first half. 

Huskies running back Chris Polk was stuffed by the Bears defense throughout the entire game, only managing 60 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries.

Though he struggled out of the backfield, Polk ended up winning the game for the Huskies with a 70 yard touchdown reception from Price that came at the beginning of the fourth quarter on 3rd-and-12. Polk's touchdown put the Huskies up for good, 31-23.

This opening Pac-12 win wasn't all good news for the Huskies. Running back Johri Fogerson and defensive end Hau'oli Jamora left the game in the first half with knee injuries and cornerback Greg Ducre also left the game with a concussion.

The scariest moment for Husky fans came at the end of the third quarter when freshman linebacker John Timu made head-to-head contact with Bears lineman Dominic Galas. Timu was taken off the field by ambulance, but appears to be "fine," according to head trainer Grant Gilliland. 

Keith Price continued his strong play for the Huskies, passing for 297 yards and three touchdowns. Seven different receivers caught balls from Price, including Chris Polk who totaled 85 yards on four receptions for 145 total yards on the day. 

Washington will continue Pac-12 play and travel down to Utah next Saturday to take on the Utah Utes. 

ANIMATED: Zach Maynard Uses The Old Fake Throw Trick

John Timu Injury: Washington Huskies Linebacker Ambulanced Off The Field

Washington Huskies freshman linebacker John Timu made head to head contact and collided with California Golden Bears Center Dominic Galas with 1:45 left in the third quarter.

Husky trainers and paramedics immediately attended to Timu. It appears to be a head and neck injury as his face mask was removed. Timu was moving both his arms and legs while on the ground. Timu was put on a stretcher and subsequently loaded on to the ambulance that made its way onto the field. 

This is the third injury for the Huskies in Saturday's game. Running back Johri Fogerson and defensive end Hau'oli Jamora both left the game with knee injuries in the first half. 

The Husky Stadium crowd was immediately silenced and both teams went on their knees while Timu was being attended to. 

Timu is a Long Beach, California native and is in his first season with the Washington Huskies. 

Washington Vs. Cal Score Update: Huskies Leading Bears 21-20 At Halftime

The Washington Huskies are up 21-20 on the California Golden Bears at halftime. The Huskies looked to be in control midway through the second quarter, after Keith Price connected with Huskies tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins for the second time to put the Huskies up 21-13.

Cal responded by kicking a 36 yard field goal to bring them with in five points. The Huskies took over at their own 33 yard line in the subsequent drive and were looking to themselves up by two scores. However, Price fumbled on the first play of the drive in a scramble and the Bears took possession of the football. Cal took full advantage of the turnover and scored a touchdown after driving for 43 yards and 8 plays.

Bears Quarterback Zach Maynard completed a crucial 4th-and-4 pass to D.J. Holt for 15 yards that put Cal at the five yard line. Running Back C.J. Anderson eventually punched it in and brought the Bears within one point entering the half.

This game is looking like it'll come down to the wire with both defenses proving to be very vulnerable in the first half. 

Washington Vs. Cal Score Update: Seferian-Jenkins Catches Second Touchdown, 21-13 Huskies

The Huskies offense is off to another great start in the first half. Freshman tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins capped off 78-yard nine play drive with his second 20 yard touchdown reception of the game. Quarterback Keith Price converted a critical 12 yard pass to Kevin Smith. Price has passed for 157 yards and is 9-12 with two touchdowns in the early-going. 

Cal has shown an inability to pressure the Huskies quarterback, which has led to ample time for Price to find the best available receiver. Offensive tackle Senio Kelemete made a perfect block in Jenkins' second touchdown which was a backside screen play. 

It is very early, but Jenkins looks like he has the makings of another great Husky tight end. His size and athleticism had made it difficult for opposing defenses to stop him.

Bears kicker Giorgio Tavecchio has converted field goals of 29 and 36 yards in the second quarter to keep his team in the game. 

Johri Fogerson, Hau'oli Jamora Go Down With Injuries

Washington Huskies running back Johri Fogerson came hobbling off the field in the Huskies' opening offensive drive. The injury occurred on a third and eight situation. The Husky trainers are currently looking at his left knee. It is doubtful he will return in the game.

Fogerson has been fragile to say the least, he entered the season with an aggravated hip pointer, the same injury that kept him sidelined in 2010.

Starting defensive end Hau'oli Jamora injured his left knee towards the end of the first quarter at the beginning of Cal's third drive. Jamora was down at the fifteen yard line being attended to by Husky trainers, he was later helped off the field and was hobbling.

Redshirt freshman Josh Shirley replaced Jamora and the Huskies shifted to a five-man front to counter Cal trying to run straight at the vacant spot that Jamora occupied. Cal will look to get running back Isi Sofele involved in order to take advantage of Jamora's absence.

UPDATE: UW has announced that Jamora is out for the rest of the game with a left knee sprain. Fogerson is doubtful to return with a left knee contusion.

Washington Vs. Cal Score Update: 7-7 Midway Through The First Quarter

The California Bears came out of the gate strong in their opening offensive drive. Bears quarterback Zach Maynard connected with his half-brother, the highly-touted Keenan Allen for a 91 yard reception, the longest reception in Cal history.

The play came on a 3rd and 20 situation and exposed horrible coverage by the Washington Huskies secondary. Husky cornerback Desmond Trufant was turned around chasing Maynard for the whole run.

Dave Mahler from 950 KJR tweeted,

Richardson went for swipe on ball instead of tackle. About as bad as you’ll see regarding decisions and coverage. No excuse for that play.

The Huskies responded right away with a three play 66 yard drive. Keith Price connected with Devin Aguilar for a 44 yard reception to put the Huskies in Bear territory and then hooked up with true freshman tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins for a 20 yard touchdown.

This game looks like it will be a shootout, with both defenses easily allowing fast drives by the opposing offenses.

College Football Picks: Washington Vs. California

John Berkowitz (UW Dawg Pound)

Washington 31, Cal 14
I pick the Huskies to win because they are starting to really click on offense. Cal has one of the better defenses in the conference but Washington has the play makers to handle it. Count on Price to toss 3-4 TD passes and for Chris Polk to run for over 125 yards.

Kevin Cacabelos (SB Nation Seattle)

Washington 31, Cal 17
I'm giving the Huskies the win due to home field advantage. Keith Price and Chris Polk will be too much for Cal's defense to handle. All eyes will be on the Husky defense after Nick Holt's unit has been torched for more than 27 points in each game so far.

Brian Elsner (Wait For It Seattle)

Washington 35, Cal 28
Cal will provide some challenges to UW this week as they are statistically strong both offensively and defensively. Currently first in the Pac-12 in total defense and fifth in total offense, the combination of the passing game led by Zach Maynard and the running game of Isi Sofele will be a challenge for the struggling Husky defense. Luckily for the Dawgs, they came off a strong opponent on the road in a loss to Nebraska while Cal has beaten Fresno State, Colorado (in OT) and Presbyterian. UW will be too much at home and win in a close one.

Erik Kariya (SeaTown Sports)

Washington 30 Cal 20
The Husky run defense has looked almost capable of late but Cal doesn't need to establish the run in order to unleash their four-handed wideout Kraken. The Bears sacrifice size for speed on defense, something Washington knows how to counter. Desmond Trufant intercepts Zach Maynard exactly once and penalties send Oskie home in tears.

Jeff Nusser (CougCenter)

Washington 31, Cal 30
Cal's defense has been up and down. I'm betting it's just down enough against UW's very good passing game. Keith Price has been better than I ever expected.

Craig Powers (CougCenter)
Washington 42 Cal 38

Two bad defenses. This should be a fun one. The home crowd will tip the scale towards the Huskies in what is otherwise a very even match-up. Keith Price and company will score just enough to outpace the Golden Bears.

Husky fans, head on over to UW Dawg Pound for in-depth pre-game analysis leading up to kickoff.

Washington Vs. Cal: Start Time, TV Coverage And More

This is a big game for both the Washington Huskies and Cal Golden Bears. For one, the game will be the first conference matchup of the season for both sides. For another, both teams have aspirations to make a bowl game and a strong start in the Pac-12 could really propel them as they prepare for the top-tier of the conference. 

Kickoff: 3:30 EDT / 12:30 PST

Television Coverage: Fox Sports Net

Radio: Sirius, XM

2011 Results: 

Washington - Eastern Washington (W), Hawaii (W), @ Nebraska (L)

California - Fresno State (W), @ Colorado (W - OT), Presbyterian (W)

Last Matchup:

In a classic matchup, Washington came away with a 16-13 victory on a final-second touchdown rush. The win propelled UW to a bowl game and it cost Cal a chance at post-season play. Expect a good game this time around. Both teams appear to be very evenly matched and the home crowd will likely play a big role.

For more Huskies coverage, check out UW Dawg Pound.

Washington Vs. Cal Depth Chart: Huskies Are Healthy, Ready For Golden Bears On Saturday

The Huskies are looking to rebound from last week's 51-38 loss at Nebraska with a home win against Cal.