In a heart-stopping finale at Husky Stadium, the No. 4 Washington Huskies triumphed over Washington State, clinching an undefeated regular season with a 24-21 victory in the Apple Cup. The game’s intensity reached its peak when Grady Gross made a 42-yard field goal on the final play, securing the Huskies undefeated record on the year.
Walker Finlinson, a devoted UW fan, expressed mixed feelings about the game despite the win. In an exclusive interview, he revealed his disappointment with the closer than expected win, emphasizing the Huskies status as a top 4 team and playoff contender. His loyalty to the team, however, remained unwavering.
The pivotal moments of the game included Rome Odunze’s stellar performance, catching two crucial touchdown passes from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Odunze’s 40-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter and a spectacular 21-yard grab at the close of the third quarter showcased his talent, contributing significantly to the Huskies’ success.
In a play that demonstrated Odunze’s versatility, he had a game changing 23 yard run on a reverse play on fourth and one at their own 29 with just over a minute left. This move highlighted the team’s determination and Odunze’s ability to step up when it mattered most.
Reflecting on the historic achievement, Head Coach Kalen DeBoer acknowledged the significance of rivalry games and commended his team’s collective effort across all phases. With this victory, Washington etched its name in Pac-12 history as the first school in the 12-team era to complete a perfect regular season, setting the stage for a showdown with No. 6 Oregon in the Pac-12 championship.
Despite the triumph, questions remain about Washington’s playoff worthiness. Finlinson was emphatic in asserting that the Huskies deserved a spot in the playoffs, citing their undefeated record as evidence. He sees the upcoming Pac-12 championship against Oregon as a golden opportunity to prove the team’s prowess and solidify their position as a legitimate playoff contender.
Penix’s performance also drew attention, with Finlinson advocating for the quarterback’s Heisman candidacy. While acknowledging his bias as a UW fan, Finlinson argued that Penix should at least be a finalist for the prestigious award. This speaks to the impact and admiration Penix has earned throughout the season, from UW fans, to fans across the country.
As the Huskies gear up for the Pac-12 championship game against Oregon, the stakes are higher than ever. A victory in Las Vegas could propel Washington into the College Football Playoff, allowing them to compete for a national championship. The anticipation is high as fans await the outcome of this potential playoff deciding game.
