Wayne Taulapapa, Washington Football News: Draft Scout Player News

11/20/22 - RB Wayne Taulapapa, rSr/2023, Washington

Wayne Taulapapa's voice was still laden with emotion after he rushed for two touchdowns and 107 yards in No. 15 Washington's 54-7 victory over Colorado, his best performance of the season. The Washington senior transfer running back wore a leigh made of flowers and a candy-bar necklace, offerings from supporters who knew what a difficult week it's been for the Virginia transfer after three Cavaliers were killed by a former teammate this week. The Huskies (9-2, 6-2 Pac 12) leaned on Taulapapa a little, too, as they rushed for five touchdowns in their fifth straight victory. Coach Kalen DeBoer said Taulapapa's grit got the team rolling and teammates rallied around him. Taulapapa scored from 8 and 2 yards out to get the Huskies to a 21-0 lead. Cameron Davis added two more scores for Washington, which finished 7-0 at home after rushing for 280 yards in the game.

The victory gave DeBoer nine wins in his first season, a school record. And it kept the Huskies in the race for a berth in the conference title game with one contest to go, though they need lots of help after USC clinched a spot earlier Saturday. Up next is the Apple Cup against Washington State, a game that means more this year than rivalry bragging rights. With the running backs grinding, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. passed for a season-low 229 yards, though he figured in the game's most electric play. Penix handed the ball off to Jalen McMillan on the double reverse, then eventually found the receiver in the left flat. McMillan weaved through the secondary, breaking four tackles on the way to a 27-yard touchdown for a 14-0 lead. He finished with eight catches for 98 yards. - Washington/AP College Football

rSr/2023