With four seconds on the clock and fourth down at the one yard line, Washington decided to play for the win. With a final play, and a final push, Chris Polk slid into the end zone as time expired, giving the Washington Huskies a 16-13 win over the Cal Bears in the final game at Memorial Stadium. The win eliminates the Bears from bowl contention while keeping the Huskies in the race.
In a game that featured little offense, one final, 79 yard drive was all the Huskies needed. A 46-yard strike from quarterback Jake Locker to Jermaine Kearse put the Huskies in field goal position, setting up a frantic finish. Locker carried the team down to the one yard-line, but failed to get into the end zone on three straight quarterback sneaks. Polk did the rest, bringing home the win for Washington.
Locker had a slow day, but finished strong, throwing for 237 yards, one touchdown and one interception while running for 11 yards, including sack yardage. Polk and freshman Jesse Callier combined for 101 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. DeAndre Goodwin led all receivers with 126 yards and a touchdown, most of which came on a long, 80 yard strike in the third quarter.
For Cal, quarterback Brock Mansion was unable to get anything going all day. Mansion finished with just 92 yards and an interception on 12 of 23 passing. Shane Vereen led all rushers with 106 on 23 carries. The Bears finished the day with 283 yards of total offense, though they did get a crucial defensive touchdown on a Locker fumble.
The Bears end the season at 5-7, out of the bowl picture. Washington improves to 5-6 with a chance to become bowl eligible as they travel to Pullman for the Apple Cup next weekend against the Washington State Cougars.