Washington outlasted California 16-13 in a defensive struggle that kept the Huskies bowl hopes alive for another week. Neither team was sharp offensively, but Washington was able to make the clutch plays when needed to pull out its second road win of the year. The victory puts the Huskies in-line for an invitation to the Holiday or Sun Bowl to end the season if they can beat Washington State in Pullman next week.
Like last week, this wasn't a pretty game. Washington had the opportunity to score twice in the first half, but turnovers deep in Cal territory botched both opportunities. Poor clock management by Washington on their last drive of the first half allowed Cal the chance to convert on a long FG to take a 3-0 lead heading into intermission.
Both teams struggled offensively in the second half, but Cal took advantage of Jake Locker fumble that was returned for a TD to take a 10-7 lead. After that the teams traded field goals and it was 13-10 with a little over six minutes left in the game. Washington drove 80 yards in a little over six minutes to win the game on a 1 yard Chris Polk TD run on fourth down.
Jake Locker was 17-27 for 237 yards, 1 TD, and one interception. He ran the ball 12 times for only 11 yards. Chris Polk had 18 carries for 86 yards and the winning touchdown to lead Washington. D'Andre Goodwin had 5 catches and 126 yard to lead the Husky receivers. his 80 yard TD reception was one of the keys to winning this game. Jermain Kearse added 6 catches for 77 yard with a long for 46 which was the key reception in the final drive.
Next up for the Huskies is the Apple Cup, hosted in Pullman this year.