Marcus Peters tripped up Stanford’s standout return man, Ty Montgomery, to save a touchdown on the game’s opening kickoff.

Peters then headed to the sideline as punishment in the latest setback for the Huskies’ standout junior cornerback.

True freshman cornerback Naijiel Hale made his first start for UW in place of Peters. Two other true freshmen, cornerback Sidney Jones and free safety Budda Baker, also started in the UW secondary.

Peters sat out the Huskies’ first two defensive series in the first quarter. He was also suspended for UW’s game against Illinois two weeks ago after an outburst on the sideline a week before that.

He returned to the team against Georgia State and had two interceptions in that game. Against Stanford, he returned to the field and had a third-quarter interception of Stanford’s Kevin Hogan.

“He needs to take care of things around the ranch a little bit better and tighten up some details, and then he’ll start,” UW coach Chris Petersen said after the Huskies’ 20-13 loss to Stanford.

Peters’ 11 career interceptions are tied for seventh-most in UW history.

UW’s secondary played without sophomore Kevin King, who started the first four games at strong safety. Petersen said King was sick.

Ross returns

UW sophomore receiver John Ross III returned from a minor knee injury that sidelined him a week earlier against Georgia State.

Against Stanford, Ross had a 100-yard kickoff return in the first quarter called back by a UW penalty, and he finished the game with three catches for 16 yards.

“We called a couple things (for him) and he’s out there running the prime route, and (Stanford) took it away. No question he needs to touch it more,” UW offensive coordinator Jonathan Smith said. “But we need to run the ball better to help our pass game.”

Big day for Durkee

Korey Durkee, UW’s junior punter, had his most productive day for the Huskies, averaging 51.7 yards on his seven punts. He had a long of 65 yards and pinned three punts inside the 20.

Most important, Durkee kept the ball away from Montgomery, Stanford’s dangerous return specialist.

“He was the best punter I’ve seen,” Montgomery said.

Stanford coach David Shaw said his team was ready for the fake punt UW attempted (and failed) in the fourth quarter.

“We gave up a fake punt last year … and everyone goes back and watches it and thinks you’re susceptible,” Shaw said.

Notes

• The Huskies did not have any red-zone opportunities after entering the game 19 for 19.

• UW has a 12-to-1 advantage in turnover margin through five games.

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