Huskies going bowling, but where?

  • By Christian Caple The News Tribune
  • Saturday, November 28, 2015 6:38pm
  • SportsSports

SEATTLE — A victory in Friday’s Apple Cup game against Washington State, Jake Browning said, carried particular significance.

And not just because of the rivalry.

“The Apple Cup is big, but there were other things at stake, too — bowl eligibility and sending our seniors off with their last game at Husky Stadium,” the Washington Huskies freshman quarterback said. “I think all those weighed into making it a big game.”

Because they won that game — a 45-10 blowout that assured a 6-6 final record and the bowl eligibility the Huskies so desired — they’ll get to play another. They’re just not sure where yet.

There are 10 bowl-eligible teams in the Pac-12 this season, and only seven bowl games with conference affiliation — meaning that Washington, at 6-6 and as the last team to qualify, will almost certainly be headed to a bowl game that is not affiliated with the Pac-12.

That makes their bowl destination a little more tricky to project. There are seemingly several options. A representative from the Independence Bowl (Dec. 26, Shreveport, Louisiana) attended the Apple Cup, indicating that game is at least somewhat interested in inviting Washington.

The Independence Bowl is a lower-tier game affiliated with both the ACC and SEC, though with Clemson (12-0) a likely College Football Playoff participant, it doesn’t appear the ACC, with nine bowl-eligible teams, will be able to fill all of its bowl spots. That would leave the Independence to invite a free-agent team, so to speak, from another conference.

The Huskies could also play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, held Dec. 26 at the Cotton Bowl stadium, because the Big 12 qualified only six teams, and needs a minimum of seven to fill all of its bowl spots.

Other projections have UW in the Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 29, Fort Worth, Texas), or the New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 19, Albuquerque), or the Hawaii Bowl (Dec. 24, Honolulu). The picture will become clearer next weekend, after conference championship games have been played and CFP participants have been decided.

Huskies coaches will spend the upcoming week recruiting. Head coach Chris Petersen said he’s glad his young team gets to play another game after finishing the season with blowout victories over Oregon State and WSU

“It means a lot, and not only going, but winning a bowl game,” Petersen said. “That’s something we’ll start talking about tomorrow or the next day. That’s on the docket. That’s really important — wherever we end up, that we go and play well in a bowl game. I’m excited for these guys, because we’ve kind of had our backs to the wall. It’s been a battle all season long. But I do think there’s progress. I think they feel it, and I think that’s important for confidence.

“… That’s what I thought about all along, was like, I’d like these guys to be able to play another game. I think that’s really important.”

This will be UW’s sixth consecutive season with a bowl appearance. The Huskies are 2-3 in bowl games since 2010, most recently losing 30-22 to Oklahoma State in the Cactus Bowl.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.