SB Nation Seattle - Holiday Bowl: Washington Huskies Beat Nebraska Cornhuskers, 19-7https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2010-12-31T11:56:29-08:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/16425542010-12-31T11:56:29-08:002010-12-31T11:56:29-08:00Holiday Bowl, Washington Vs. Nebraska: Huskies Win The Battle In The Trenches
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<p>Washington quarterback Jake Locker will get plenty of publicity and credit for the Holiday Bowl as he capped his career with a win. Chris Polk was a workhorse on the ground for the Huskies, as well, carving up the Nebraska defense to the tune of 177 yards and a touchdown. But Washington didn't beat Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl because of either of those two. For the reason the Huskies prevailed, you need not look further than the lines, especially on the defensive side of the ball.</p>
<p>The Huskies were absolutely torched on the ground by Nebraska in September. Quarterback Taylor Martinez ran wild, Roy Helu Jr. was all over the place and Nebraska was over 300 yards rushing for the day. In order for the Huskies to have any shot on Thursday night in San Diego, they were going to need to stop the run.</p>
<p>Now that we can look back, check out what Nebraska did in the run game. The Huskers rushed for just 91 yards on the game, never finding the end zone on the ground. Martinez carried the ball 14 times for 23 yards, Helu Jr. carried 11 times for 34 yards and Rex Burkhead led the Huskers with 39 yards on 12 carries. What the Huskies saw was a Nebraska team that was unable to engineer drives through the air when its potent rushing attack was stymied.</p>
<p>The Washington defensive line deserves as much, if not more, praise than the skill players for the Holiday Bowl win. Guys like Alameda Ta'amu, who recovered a fumble early to set the tone, and Hau'oli Jamora were disruptive all night, abusing the Nebraska defensive end along the way. It was Ta'amu breaking through the Nebraska defensive line and forcing a hold in the end zone in the second half, giving the Huskies a safety. The entire defensive line manhandled Nebraska and was the biggest reason Washington came away with an impressive 19-7 victory.</p>
<p>So while much of the media praises Locker and Polk, give a little love to the big boys, Washington fans. Their work is a huge reason the Huskies are heading back to Seattle with a trophy on Friday.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/31/1906316/holiday-bowl-washington-vs-nebraska-huskies-defensive-line-alameda-taamuBrian Floyd2010-12-30T22:33:56-08:002010-12-30T22:33:56-08:00Holiday Bowl, Washington Vs. Nebraska: Jake Locker Leads The Huskies To Victory, 19-7
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<p>In the final game of his college career, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> got himself a bowl victory. Aided heavily by the running game, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk">Chris Polk</a>’s huge game on the ground, the senior signal-caller went out on a high note, bringing the Holiday Bowl trophy home to Montlake. After a dismal passing effort in the first half, in which Locker didn’t complete a pass, Locker used his legs to establish some kind of threat in the second, scampering for a 25-yard touchdown run that ended up being the dagger in the third quarter.</p>
<p>For all the praise Locker will get, it was the Washington defense that won this game. The Huskies, after watching Nebraska gain 533 yards of total offense in September, were flat dominant in the Holiday Bowl, holding Nebraska to just 185 total yards. Washington won the battle on both lines, but was especially dominant on the defensive end. It was that relentless pressure, aided by a hefty dose of blitz packages, that never allowed Nebraska to get into gear.</p>
<p>Locker finished the game 5-16 for 56 yards, adding 83 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Polk had another huge day, rushing for 177 yards and a touchdown. That 1-2 punch in the running game put the vaunted Nerbaska defense into a meat-grinder, spitting it out at the end of the game with skid marks all over it.</p>
<p>For Nebraska, it was tough sledding all the way around. Before leaving the game with an ankle injury, freshman quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez">Taylor Martinez</a> wasn’t as sharp as the last time these two teams faced each other, rushing for 21 yards and throwing for 53 yards, one touchdown and an interception. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8200/roy-helu-jr">Roy Helu Jr</a>. added a team-high 58 yards on the ground.</p>
<p>The Huskies will now say goodbye to Locker, five years after he arrived. Polk, on the back of another impressive decision must also decide whether to leave early or stay around for another year. Just two years into the rebuilding process, however, Sarkisian has himself a signature season and a bowl win to boot.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/30/1905522/holiday-bowl-score-washington-vs-nebraska-recap-jake-locker-chris-polkBrian Floyd2010-12-30T21:58:10-08:002010-12-30T21:58:10-08:00Holiday Bowl, Washington Vs. Nebraska: Washington Forces A Safety
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<p>Nevermind Nebraska’s stop being a big momentum changer for the Cornhuskers. Three plays after forcing a stop, Nebraska was called for a hold in the end zone. By rule, the penalty is a safety, giving Washington two points and the ball back on a free kick. Once again, the Washington defensive line was a disruptive force, manhandling the Nebraska offensive line. The penetration forced an offensive lineman to reach, resulting in a hold.</p>
<p>The Nebraska offense has been unable to do anything at all in the Holiday Bowl as the Huskies have held the unit to under 200 yards of total offense. With Cody Green under center, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez">Taylor Martinez</a> injured, that situation doesn’t look to be improving anytime soon. Green did have a nice scramble on third down on the last drive, only to see it negated by a hold, giving Washington a safety.</p>
<p>With just over 13 minutes to go, Washington leads Nebraska, 19-7. With The Huskies able to grind the game out in the running game, it’s going to be tough for the Huskers to battle back. If you haven’t done so yet, tune in and watch what’s been a wild Holiday Bowl.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/30/1905479/holiday-bowl-washington-vs-nebraska-football-score-safetyBrian Floyd2010-12-30T21:50:26-08:002010-12-30T21:50:26-08:00Holiday Bowl, Washington Vs. Nebraska: Huskies Fail On Fourth And Goal, Cornhuskers Have Life
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<p>Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian loves to roll the dice. Facing fourth and goal from the one, Sarkisian gambled again, electing to go for the touchdown. A handoff to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk">Chris Polk</a>, a big stand by the Nebraska defense and a turnover on downs may have just given Nebraska a new lease on life.</p>
<p>Sarkisian went with the bread and butter near the goal-line, running inside the tackles on the left side of the line in hopes of finding the magic again. Nebraska was ready, using a good push from the defensive line and sure tackling to stuff Polk in a huge spot.</p>
<p>Polk has been unstoppable during the Holiday Bowl and is already over the 100-yard mark for the game. His 116 yards, and Washington’s 186 yards, on the ground are a big reason the Huskies hold a 17-7 lead over Nebraska. But it’s that one yard he didn’t get that could come into play late in the game.</p>
<p>With the fourth quarter just underway, Washington leads Nebraska, 17-7. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez">Taylor Martinez</a> has not returned from an injury suffered on Nebraska’s last drive, leaving the comeback up to Cody Green.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/30/1905471/holiday-bowl-washington-vs-nebraska-football-chris-polk-taylor-martinez-injuryBrian Floyd2010-12-30T21:38:39-08:002010-12-30T21:38:39-08:00Taylor Martinez Hobbles Off The Field After Another Disappointing Drive
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<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Martinez</a> has been off all game. Now, he may just be out of the game. On Nebraska’s last possession, after the Cornhuskers stalled during what seemed to be a promising drive, Martinez game up limping. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Huskies</a> brought the house on a blitz, as they have many times tonight, getting to Martinez and sacking him on third down. The freshman quarterback was clearly in pain as he limped to the sidelines.</p>
<p>Since Washington scored early in the third quarter, there’s been little action in San Diego. The teams are currently in the midst of trading punts, unable to move the ball very effectively.</p>
<p>Jake Locker has picked it up for the Huskies, however, completing infinitely more passes in the second half. After completing no passes in the first half, Locker has completed three in the second. The 1-2 tandem of Locker and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Polk</a> have abused the Nebraska front seven, rushing for 156 yards and a touchdown so far.</p>
<p>With Martinez sidelined, it may be up to Cody Green to bring Nebraska back. The sophomore quarterback has seen some action this year, stepping in for Martinez at times.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/30/1905459/taylor-martinez-injury-holiday-bowl-nebraska-cornhuskersBrian Floyd2010-12-30T21:20:42-08:002010-12-30T21:20:42-08:00Holiday Bowl: Jake Locker Completes A Pass, Finds The End Zone On The Ground
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<p>Washington quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker">Jake Locker</a> finally completed a pass in the Holiday Bowl, finding D’Andre Goodwin for 26 yards on 3rd and 8. For those keeping score at home, Locker went 31:15 without completing a pass in the bowl, but picked a perfect time to hit a receiver in stride. But that was just the beginning of the Locker show on the Huskies first drive.</p>
<p>On the next play, Locker faked the handoff to running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk">Chris Polk</a>, electing to call his own number. He did the rest with his legs, scampering 25 yards and breaking through arm tackles en route to a touchdown. The Washington drive, aided by a facemask penalty on the kickoff, covered 53 yards in four plays, taking just 1:42 off the clock.</p>
<p>The Washington touchdown gives the Huskies a comfortable lead, up 10 over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a>, 17-7. After an early 10 points, Washington had been unable to get anything going against the Nebraska defense before its quick-strike drive. It was, as they say, just what the doctor ordered for the Huskies coming out of the break.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/30/1905433/holiday-bowl-score-jake-locker-touchdown-runBrian Floyd2010-12-30T20:48:55-08:002010-12-30T20:48:55-08:00Holiday Bowl: Washington Huskies Lead Nebraska Cornhuskers At The Half, 10-7
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<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Huskies</a> came out strong in the first half, stunning Nebraska en route to a 10-7 halftime lead. The Huskies lead the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/nebraska-cornhuskers" class="sbn-auto-link">Nebraska Cornhuskers</a> despite zero completions from Washington quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Locker</a> in the first half. Locker finished the half 0-8 against Nebraska’s lockdown secondary, pushing his total against Nebraska to 4-27 on the year.</p>
<p>The Huskies had a chance to stretch the lead just before the half, but kicker Eric Folk badly missed a field goal as time wound down, leaving Washington to settle for a 10-7 lead. Still, for a team that was blown-out in Seattle by this same team, Washington should have their heads held high going into the locker room.</p>
<p>Washington used the punishing running of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38714/chris-polk" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Polk</a> to move the chains in the first half. Polk finished with 18 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown, providing the only offense Washington could speak for. Running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113902/jesse-callier" class="sbn-auto-link">Jesse Callier</a> led the way in the passing game, completing a throw-back pass to Locker for 17 yards, setting up a Polk touchdown run.</p>
<p>On the other side of the ball, Nebraska’s passing game fared better despite quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Martinez</a>’s shaky start. Martinez finished the half with 51 yards and a touchdown through the air and 35 yards on the ground. Martinez’s five passes have found five different receivers, with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37029/kyler-reed" class="sbn-auto-link">Kyler Reed</a>’s 15-yard score leading the way.</p>
<p>Stay tuned to the Holiday Bowl for what promises to be an exciting second half with the game up for grabs through the first 20 minutes.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/30/1905385/holiday-bowl-score-washington-huskies-nebraska-cornhuskers-jake-lockerBrian Floyd2010-12-30T20:26:33-08:002010-12-30T20:26:33-08:00Jake Locker Back In The Holiday Bowl After Sitting A Series
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<p>Take a deep breath, Washington fans. Quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9622/jake-locker" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Locker</a> is back in action after receiving a scare in the second quarter. Locker took a knee to the helmet and appeared to sustain a head injury, lying on the ground for some time before walking off the field. The word from Erin Andrews on the sideline is that Locker’s helmet came up over his head and raked his eyes, leaving him unable to reopen his eyes. It was not, according to the training staff, a concussion.</p>
<p>The Washington defense continues to play big despite a Nebraska touchdown in the second quarter. After Locker left the game, Nebraska forced the Huskies to punt and were starting to drive, but the Washington defense took over, intercepting <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76896/taylor-martinez" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Martinez</a> on an under-thrown ball.</p>
<p>Locker is back on the field, leading the way for the Huskies, after brief moments of panic in Husky nation. With four minutes to go in the second quarter, it’s UW on top, 10-7.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/washington-huskies/2010/12/30/1905351/jake-locker-injury-return-holiday-bowl-updateBrian Floyd