Seattle, WA- The Washington Huskies protect their house on the water with a 31-19 victory over UCLA under the Friday night lights. The Huskies won all their home games this season at Husky Stadium.
A balance attack was the key for the Huskies to pull away from the Bruins. Running back Jonah Coleman carried the rushing load with 21 carries for 95 yards with 2 touchdowns on the ground. He jumped on the scoreboard in the 1st quarter with 15-yard scamper into the endzone.
The Bruins running game was cooled off by Huskies defense and being behind in the stick didn’t allow time to establish the run which had been the team’s identity along with a defense flying around. TJ Harden had 13 carries with only 33 total yards and 6 catches for 79 yards to lead pass catching.
“We’ve got to be better and that starts with me getting these guys going, getting them in and out of the huddle,” UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers said. “Just focusing on how every play is the most important. It just comes down to me making those throws and moving those chains.”
Washington quarterback Will Rogers was tasked to just manage the game as he through for 115 yards 13/21 with a touchdown along with almost costly two interceptions. The twist is UCLA starter Ethan Garbers who threw for 267 yards with 2 touchdowns chasing the lead.
Most remember Garbers arrival as freshman to Washington with this senior class of Huskies who stuck it out. He chose to look for a better fit by transferring to Westwood and seeking something different.
A familiar name to Bruins is Washington Keleki Latu who caught a 8 yard touchdown in the first half that game the Huskies the lead and never looked back after that. His older brother was a defense end that was NFL first round draft pick now playing on Sundays.
“I’m not going to make any excuses for us,” UCLA coach DeShaun Foster said. “We just weren’t at our best and it hurts when you know you can come out and play a little bit better than you did, you know?” The Huskies with tonight’s victory is Bowl Eligible under first year coach Jedd Fisch. Now on the other side UCLA first year coach will have to win their last two home games verses crosstown rival USC and then Fresno St.