Washington Huskies win Holiday Bowl, 19-7

Capping a remarkable turnaround that began with the hiring of Steve Sarkisian as their head coach two years ago, the University of Washington Huskies tonight decisively upset the Nebraska Cornhuskers to win their first bowl game in more than a decade.

Led by quarterback Jake Locker (who was making his final collegiate appearance), the Huskies scored two touchdowns, a field goal, and pulled in two more points on a safety to win nineteen to seven.

In doing so, the Huskies improved their overall record to 7-6 for the first time in years and avenged a blowout loss inflicted by Nebraska back in September.

UW's defense was outstanding, holding Nebraska to just one touchdown, which Nebraska scored in the first quarter after Washington had taken a ten point lead. The Cornhuskers' defense consistently tried to give its offense a chance to catch up, making a crucial stop in the second half to deny Washington a touchdown, but Nebraska simply couldn't get anything going.

The Huskies did not play a perfect game — kicker Eric Folk missed two of three field goal attempts, and Washington blew four tries at a touchdown in the third quarter, as mentioned. Those extra points would have lifted Washington to a 32-7 victory. But the missed opportunities were thankfully not fatal.

That Washington prevailed at all was a shock, considering that the Huskies were winless just two seasons ago (under Tyrone Willingham), and didn't live up to the rather high expectations set for this season.

The Huskies' victory also means that Governor Chris Gregoire can collect on her friendly wager with Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman. Gregoire had staked fillets of Washington salmon on the outcome of the game, while Heineman had countered with a box of Omaha steaks. Looks like the gov and First Mike will be enjoying a fine steak dinner in the near future!