Kalen DeBoer shares Washington's health status after Utah game
The Washington Huskies remain undefeated in 2023 thanks to another hard-fought victory against a top-tier Pac-12 program. Washington handled their business at home, defeating the Utah Utes 35-28. And now the Huskies turned their attention to another top-ranked Pac-12 opponent in week 12, the Oregon State Beavers. But is Washington healthy enough to take on Oregon State on Saturday?
The Utes are considered one of the tougher, more physical teams in the Pac-12. Which is why some believed that the Washington offense would have their fair share of struggles against Utah’s defense. However, that wasn’t the case, as Washington was able to put up 457 yards of total offense. But the question remains — did Utah’s defense or physical style of play cause any additional bumps and bruises for the Huskies? According to head coach Kalen DeBoer, nope.
“Yeah, not bad; not bad at all,” said DeBoer when asked about the injuries Washington suffered. “I mean, just the typical football bumps and bruises and things like that. But we’ll see tomorrow, once we hit the field, how guys are moving around. But it was a physical game.
This is excellent news for Washington and their fans, as they are just two wins away from finishing the regular season undefeated and punching their ticket to the Pac-12 title game. And if they tack on the title of Pac-12 champions in December, Washington will also have punched their ticket into This year’s College Football Playoff.
DeBoer addresses his name being linked to recent head coaching vacancies
The time has come in the season where, after a handful of openings have come available, several coaches around the country must now speak on their future while they’re trying to prepare for the present. That group includes Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, someone who is currently amidst a race in the Pac-12 and for the College Football Playoff.
DeBoer had to speak on his name being linked to other job opportunities during his press conference on Monday. He made it fairly clear that his attention is only on the Huskies right now, which is a sentiment that applies as much to the rest of his staff as it does to him.
“My focus is 100% on us playing ball right now,” DeBoer stated.
“I heard the same question asked to Ryan Grubb just now about opportunities,” said DeBoer. “I think that’s what I really appreciate about our staff and it starts with me – just being completely focused.”
In this matter, DeBoer also credited Washington AD Troy Dannen for aiding in their effort to remain in Seattle. He engages in enough conversations within the football program that DeBoer, along with others, are more than happy to remain Huskies for the time being.
“When it comes to a contract piece, things like that? I’ll just make sure it’s known that Troy has done a great job of approaching me and working together to try to make sure that continuity exists here at U-Dub,” said DeBoer. “That doesn’t just happen overnight. But those efforts are certainly being made and I’m appreciative of that.”