The Huskies sure know how to win in a myriad of unexpected ways. To watch the Huskies is to learn that nothing ever comes easy or predictable in their quest for the last PAC 12 championship. Their offense is one of the elites in College Football, but it was their defense in the second half of today’s game at Husky Stadium that might be what propels them to the championship. After Husky linebacker Alphonzo Tuputala intercepted Utes quarterback Bryson Barnes it appeared the linebacker had a clear path to the end zone but there was one problem, he dropped the ball before he entered the end zone and a Ute’s lineman fell on the loose ball on their own 1-yard line. However, Tupatala’s defensive teammates quickly picked him up. On the very next play, Tuli Letuligasenoa and Carson Bruener leaked into the backfield and brought down the Ute’s Ja’Quinden Jackson for a safety, increasing the Husky lead to 35-28 with 24 seconds left in the third quarter.
From there, Washington just tried to hold on. It looked like UW would be able to put the finishing touches on a win when they embarked on a 12-play drive deep into Utah territory, taking up much of the fourth-quarter clock in the process.
However, a 32-yard field goal try that would have given the Huskies a 10-point lead with under two minutes to play was blocked. With the score still 35-28, Utah suddenly had a chance.
But the Huskies’ defense would not let up. Utah didn’t gain a single yard and the victory was sealed with an interception on fourth down. That finally allowed Washington to run out the clock and close out the win. This is what the Huskies have done this season, winning in ways that are never conventional. The Oregon State Beavers are up next in the gauntlet that the Huskies seem to face every week, and I expect it will take the unconventional to prevail.