Well, that was quite a way for Kalen DeBoer’s squad to end his first year as Washington’s head coach by planting his flag in Pullman. He wrapped up a 10-2 regular season with a 51-33 win over the Washington State Cougars on the road, and gave his squad a legitimate shot at the Rose Bowl assuming USC takes care of business against Utah in the Pac-12 championship game.

Michael Penix was a little shaky early, overthrowing his receivers a few times in the first quarter, but settled in and ended up arguably the best game of his astounding season, finishing with 484 yards and three touchdowns through the air, along with two carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers (should) all but cement Penix’s seat at the Heisman Trophy presentation in New York City.

Penix led his squad to a season-high 702 yards of offense in the victory, aided by his top two receivers, Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze, who became the first pair of Husky pass catchers to go over 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. Odunze finished his day with five catches for 157 yards and a touchdown, and he also added another score on the ground, while McMillan pulled in six receptions for 150 yards along with one touchdown, which was a 75-yard house call on the first play of the second half.

In the first half, Washington’s defense couldn’t stop a nosebleed, but the coaching staff made some excellent adjustments in the second half, allowing just six points. While the Huskies lost the turnover battle 2-0, the defense also recorded six sacks, including the first of true freshman defensive tackle Jayvon Parker’s young career. Zion Tupuola-Fetui also made sure he didn’t forget about the Cougars planting their flag at Husky Stadium last year, and reminded the crowd after his sack of Cam Ward late in the fourth quarter.

One of the biggest unsung heroes of the game, as they have been all season, was Washington’s offensive line. They once again kept Michael Penix upright all night long, and the Husky offense didn’t even record a negative play on the night until they took a knee in victory formation, while the defense was able to record 11 tackles for a loss (and probably just as many missed tackles).

This should also be the final feather in the cap of Kalen DeBoer, who should be honored as the AP’s Coach of the Year for the way he turned this Washington team around in just one year. Not only did the Huskies go 10-2, but fans know that there’s so much more that can be achieved after looking at their losses to Arizona State and UCLA. Kalen DeBoer’s future on Montlake is very bright, and this Apple Cup felt like a sign of things to come…