WASHINGTON DOMINATES UCLA 31-19 AND SECURES A BOWL GAME SPOT
Updated: Oct 31
Photo Credit: Washington Huskies Athletics
For this final home game of the season, the Huskies needed to secure a win against UCLA to reach six victories and become eligible for a postseason Bowl. With two games left to achieve this goal, and their final opponent being none other than the University of Oregon, currently ranked No. 1, it was crucial to secure the win in Seattle before heading to face the Ducks at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
This evening was particularly special for many Huskies players, as this final home game also marked the end of their college careers. A total of 21 players celebrated their “Senior Night,” surrounded by their families, who came in numbers to witness this final game on home turf.
To mark this "Black Night" (with kickoff at 6:00 PM), the Huskies sported a sleek alternate uniform: all-black attire complemented by a stunning helmet design combining matte black, purple, and a gold face mask. The evening's theme was inspired by the video game World of Warcraft, which had signed an NIL partnership with several Huskies players earlier in the week. Characters from the game even accompanied the team onto the field, creating a unique spectacle.
For this Big Ten conference showdown, Washington hosted the UCLA Bruins, who were riding a three-game winning streak against solid opponents like Iowa, Nebraska, and Rutgers. The Huskies knew better than to underestimate the team from Pasadena.
Senior players were honored before the game. Their families joined them on the field as each player's name was called one by one for a final introduction, cheered on by the 68,811 fans present at Husky Stadium. After a few family photos, the game kicked off.
Game Recap:
UCLA started on offense, but Washington’s defense made its presence felt immediately. Sebastian Valdez delivered a sack on Ethan Garbers, stopping the Bruins’ opening drive. The Huskies also failed to capitalize on their first possession. Garbers then completed a spectacular 33-yard pass to tight end Moliki Matavao, but a penalty on the play forced UCLA to punt again.
Defense dominated early, as evidenced by the five punts (three by UCLA and two by Washington) in the opening sequences. Washington’s Russell Davis II added a second sack on Garbers with six minutes left in the quarter, setting the Huskies up on UCLA's 36-yard line after a poor punt.
The Huskies took advantage of the situation. They played to their strengths, relying on speed and outside plays. Will Rogers connected with Cameron Davis for an 18-yard gain, and Jonah Coleman capped the drive with a 15-yard run down the right side into the end zone. Washington led 7-0.
Penalties slowed UCLA's offensive progress, and Washington’s defense repeatedly shut down their possessions.
UCLA got on the board early in the second quarter with a field goal by Mateen Bhaghani, narrowing the gap to 7-3. On their next possession, Huskies head coach Jedd Fish took a bold gamble on a fourth down at their own 44-yard line, but running back Adam Mohammed was stopped by UCLA linebacker Femi Oladejo. Despite the misstep, Washington’s defense continued to excel.
As UCLA approached the red zone, Russell Davis II recorded his second sack of the night, forcing Garbers to fumble. Davis recovered the ball himself, handing it back to the Huskies' offense. Washington methodically moved down the field. A potential interception by UCLA was nullified due to a roughing the passer penalty, and Will Rogers took full advantage, throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Keleki Latu. Washington extended their lead to 14-3.
With just over two minutes left before halftime, UCLA closed the gap. A pass interference penalty gave the Bruins 15 yards, and Garbers connected with Titus Mokiao-Atimalala for gains of 21 and 5 yards before finding Kwazi Gilmer for a short touchdown pass, bringing the score to 14-10.
Jedd Fish could thank his defense for a stellar first half, as they held UCLA to just 32 rushing yards and sacked Garbers three times, stifling an offense that had excelled the week prior with 211 rushing yards against Iowa.
The second half began poorly for Washington. Will Rogers had his pass deflected by linebacker Kain Medrano and intercepted by Devin Kirkwood. Washington’s defense mitigated the damage with a sack by Voi Tunuufi, forcing UCLA to settle for a field goal and making it 14-13.
Rogers threw another interception, this time to Medrano. However, momentum shifted quickly when UCLA tight end Jack Pedersen fumbled after a hard hit, and Kamren Fabiculanan recovered the ball for Washington.
Demond Williams Jr. replaced Rogers and led a steady drive down to UCLA’s 27-yard line, setting up a Grady Gross field goal to extend the lead to 17-13.
UCLA began the final quarter with another drive but was stopped short of the end zone. A missed field goal kept Washington ahead, 17-13.
Demond Williams Jr. provided the spark Washington needed. He connected with Denzel Boston for a 32-yard gain and dazzled with runs of 12 and 6 yards, evading defenders with agility and lightning-quick footwork. Williams capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Decker DeGraaf, extending Washington's lead to 24-13.
UCLA’s offense stalled once more, and Jonah Coleman delivered the knockout blow with a
1-yard touchdown run. It should be noted that he will surpass the symbolic milestone of 1,000 rushing yards this season, a remarkable personal achievement.
Despite a late 80-yard drive and a touchdown pass from Garbers to Matavao, the outcome was sealed.
Washington secured a 31-19 victory in their final home game, clinching a Bowl game berth. This game may have marked a turning point, as Williams Jr. appears poised to take the reins from Will Rogers. Jedd Fish’s decision for the next game against Oregon could set the stage for the Huskies’ future.
Key Performances and Stats:
Washington Huskies:
Will Rogers: 13/21, 115 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Demond Williams Jr.: 7/8, 67 yards, 1 TD
Jonah Coleman: 21 carries, 95 yards, 2 TDs
Denzel Boston: 2 receptions, 47 yards
Russell Davis II: 3 sacks
UCLA Bruins:
Ethan Garbers: 27/44, 267 yards, 2 TDs
T.J. Harden: 13 carries, 33 yards; 6 receptions, 79 yards
Moliki Matavao: 7 receptions, 68 yards, 1 TD
Carson Schwesinger: 17 tackles
Highlights Video:
