Kalen DeBoer evaluates the value of Washington playing in a close game

Washington remained undefeated but won a close one over Arizona 31-24, which seemingly wasn’t a problem for head coach Kaleb DeBoer.

In fact, the Huskies needed a game like that: going through adversity and earning the win. Up to this point, Washington operated like a machine, particularly on offense, blowing out every opponent.

DeBoer was happy to see the fight in his Huskies.

“Yeah, I mean, there’s two pieces, right,” DeBoer said postgame. “You play in close games and you know what it feels like to have to answer the bell and come up with a play. And there’s also moments that we can learn from, you know, where we missed opportunities to extend or … position ourselves with a greater difference in the score, you know, just finishing off some drives there. 

“So, you know, even just get a couple chances were some interceptions, you know, we didn’t finish those either. So, it’s a great learning experience. We just got to be a little bit better. It’s not like the guys can’t make those plays.”

The offense did some great things, putting up 31 points. The game was just a little close for comfort.

Michael Penix Jr. finished 30-of-40 passing for 363 yards but no touchdowns. Dillon Johnson carried the ball 16 times for 91 yards and two scores.

Germie Bernard and Will Nixon added touchdowns on the ground as well.

Kalen DeBoer appreciates close win for Washington

You’re not going to run through everyone, so winning close was good moving forward for Washington, according to DeBoer.

“Hard fought game out there,” DeBoer said overall of the win. “Closer than you want it to be, but honestly a game that we were ready to play four quarters. Had prepared for that all week long, had nothing but respect and understanding that this is a good football team we’re facing. Easily they could be 4-0. They have the firepower, especially offensively to throw the ball down the field and make plays … 

“You saw the game just flying by first half with limited possessions. The game got shortened. Some opportunities in the second half for us for sure to put the game away. Disappointed in that for sure, just a turnover inside the 10 and some penalties, a holding call inside the 5. Got to be better there. Had opportunities to, I think not put the game away, but change the flow of the game and what the score was, especially the last 10-12 minutes.”

Overall, it was a road win in the Pac-12 and Washington kept climbing the ranks.

“A lot of things to learn from but I know that winning games is not easy on the road, especially in our conference,” DeBoer said. “We’ll take the win. 5-0 with a bye week. We’re right where we want to be.”