Washington Huskies: Which Bowl Game Are They Headed to?
By Paul Taylor
With their win over the Cougars, the Washington Huskies secured a bowl berth, but which game are they likely to go to?
It’s an understatement to say Friday was a great day for everyone associated with the Washington Huskies. Not only did they thoroughly beat the Cougars, but they also secured a bowl berth.
More from Washington Huskies Football
- Washington State Football: Update on former Cougars in the NFL 12/2018
- Washington Football: Update on Huskies alumni in the NFC – Nov. 2018
- Washington Football: What you need to know for WSU 11/23
- Apple Cup: History leading up to the 2018 edition
- PAC-12 Football Power Rankings week of 11/21 – Emerald City Swagger
The question is, which bowl game are the Huskies likely to go to? Part of the answer comes in the fact they are the 10th Pac-12 team to gain bowl eligibility, meaning they are headed for an at-large bowl game.
A further indication comes via the Seattle Times. As reported by Adam Jude and Stefanie Loh, representatives from the Independence Bowl were in attendance at the Apple Cup, to witness the Huskies 45-10 victory over Washington State.
If this does end up being the destination for Chris Petersen’s team, it will be the second time they have played at the Independence Bowl. In their first appearance back in 1987, the Huskies won 24-12 over the Tulane Green Wave.
Quarterback Chris Chandler and linebacker David Rill ended up sharing the MVP award. Washington were led by Don James, who holds the school record for bowl appearances as a head coach, with 14.
Nov 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen hoist the Apple Cup trophy after receiving it from Washington governor Jay Inslee (left) after Washington defeated the Washington State Cougars at Husky Stadium 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
While the Independence Bowl appears to be the best bet for the Huskies, there are other contenders. Jude and Loh advised that the Heart of Dallas Bowl and the Hawaii Bowl – neither of which Washington has ever played in – are also possibilities.
As far as Petersen is concerned, he does not mind where they end up playing, as he told the media after the Apple Cup: “Wherever we end up, (the goal is) we go and play well in a bowl game.
“I am excited for these guys because we have kind of had our backs to the wall. It has been a battle all season long, but I do think there has been progress.”
Petersen finished by saying: “I think that they feel it and I think that is important for confidence.” Bowl bids will be announced sometime after next week’s Pac-12 championship game.