Originally published September 20, 2014 at 8:23 PM | Page modified September 21, 2014 at 12:03 AM
Dante Pettis’ punt returns give Huskies a big spark in second half
Pettis, a 6-foot, 177-pound receiver from San Clemente, Calif., had four returns for 98 yards Saturday — all in the second half to help spark the Huskies’ 45-14 victory at Husky Stadium.
Seattle Times staff reporter
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Washington true freshman Dante Pettis did more on four punt returns against Georgia State on Saturday than the Huskies did during an entire season last year.
Pettis, a 6-foot, 177-pound receiver from San Clemente, Calif., had four returns for 98 yards Saturday — all in the second half to help spark the Huskies’ 45-14 victory at Husky Stadium.
Over the entire 2013 season, UW managed 73 yards on 14 punt returns.
Pettis had a 35-yard return to the Georgia State 18-yard line early in the third quarter to set up UW for its first touchdown four plays later. That cut the Panthers’ lead to 14-7.
Pettis’ next punt return also went for 35 yards.
“Dante Pettis was bringing a lot to the table today,” UW coach Chris Petersen said.
Ross out with knee injury
John Ross III, the Huskies’ explosive sophomore receiver, sat out Saturday’s game against Georgia State with an apparent knee injury.
Petersen said Ross is “week to week.” Ross participated in some drills in practice later in the week, Petersen said, but the coach wouldn’t speculate on Ross’ potential availability against Stanford next week.
Without Ross, UW’s offense had little in the way of big plays — Ross’ specialty. The Huskies’ longest pass play went for 26 yards, to DiAndre Campbell.
Mathis takes personal time
For the second game in a row, UW reserve defensive lineman Joe Mathis was not with the team at Husky Stadium.
“Joe took some personal time off. We may have him back; we’ll see,” Petersen said.
Mathis did not play in UW’s victory over Illinois last weekend.
Mathis, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound sophomore from Ontario, Calif., played in 12 of 13 games for UW as a true freshman last year. He had two tackles in UW’s season-opening victory at Hawaii on Aug. 30.
Notes
• Senior right tackle Ben Riva again did not play with an knee injury.
• Senior running back Jesse Callier was seen wearing a walking boot after the game.
Adam Jude: 206-464-2364 or ajude@seattletimes.com. On Twitter @a_jude.