SEATTLE — Returning from a one-game suspension for a sideline tantrum in a Sept. 6 game against Eastern Washington, cornerback Marcus Peters showed his worth to the University of Washington football team in Saturday’s 45-14 victory over Georgia State.
Peters, a junior who is regarded as Washington’s most experienced and talented defensive back, had two interceptions against Georgia State and, to a large extent, shut down his side of the field. The visiting Panthers instead passed more often in the direction of UW cornerback Sidney Jones, a true freshman.
Two weeks ago, Peters picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that prolonged an Eastern Washington offensive possession and led to an Eagles touchdown. Taken out after that play, he then apparently had a shouting match on the sideline with a member of the UW coaching staff, resulting in his suspension.
But Peters was back in the starting lineup against Georgia State and played well, including a terrific diving sideline interception in the first half. It was initially ruled an incomplete pass, but a video review showed that Peters had possession as he dragged his toes in-bounds, and the call was overturned.
During his suspension, “(Peters) did everything we asked,” UW head coach Chris Petersen said. Reinstated this past week, “he came back and practiced hard.”
Big returns for Pettis
True freshman Dante Pettis is Washington’s primary punt returner and on Saturday he was outstanding, returning four kicks for 98 yards with two returns of 35 yards.
All of Pettis’ returns came in the second half and his first was returned to the Georgia State 18, setting up Washington’s first touchdown. He later had a 28-yard return to set up another UW touchdown.
In addition, Pettis had a return of about 25 yards, but it was negated by a holding penalty, giving him a statistical return of 0 yards.
“Dante Pettis was bringing a lot to the table today,” Petersen said. “(He did) a great job.”
Injuries, etc.
As usual, Petersen was vague on the injury report. Running back Jesse Callier played briefly on special teams, but left the game with an apparent foot injury. Wide receiver John Ross did not play at all due to a leg injury, evidently suffered in practice this past week.
Petersen said the availability of both players for next week’s game against Stanford is unknown.
Lastly, defensive lineman Joe Mathis “took some personal time off,” Petersen said. “We may have him back (against Stanford). We’ll see.”
Lindquist returns
After starting Washington’s season opener at Hawaii, quarterback Jeff Lindquist played sparingly in the next two games. But Lindquist took some snaps in the second half of Saturday’s game to utilize not his passing arm, but his legs.
The 6-foot-3, 246-pound Lindquist had three carries for 35 yards, including TD runs of 9 and 14 yards.
“Jeff is a great player and a great runner,” said UW starting quarterback Cyler Miles. “Obviously he pounded the rock today. Jeff’s the kind of guy who’d do anything for the team, and it was great for him to come in like that and give us that spark.”
Petersen ties mark
Petersen is the first coach to start his UW career 4-0 since Gil Dobie in 1908. Dobie’s fifth UW game was a tie, so Petersen came become the only coach in UW history to open with five straight wins if the Huskies beat Stanford next Saturday.
One other UW coach, James Knight in 1902, won his first four games.
Another big game for Shelton
UW nose tackle Danny Shelton had 13 tackles, making it the third game this season and the fifth of his career he has had 10 or more tackles. Eight of his tackles Saturday came in the first quarter.
Shelton also had one sack, giving him seven for the season. He came into the season with 21/2 sacks in his career.
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