Game-winning FG keeps Washington unbeaten

Kyle Bonagura, ESPN Personnel WriterNov 25, 2023, 10:08 PM ET

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• Covers the Pac-12.
• Signed up with ESPN in 2014.
• Gone To Washington State University.SEATTLE– Moments after kicking

a 42-yard winning field goal as time ended in the Apple Cup on Saturday, Washington kicker Grady Gross discovered his mom on the field at Husky Arena and broke down.The 24-21 win had actually been a frustrating ride of feeling for the sophomore walk-on– and it wasn’t over. Addressing the team in the locker room minutes later on, Washington coach Kalen DeBoer made note that it was Thanksgiving weekend, setting up the life-changing news he will deliver.” I’m thankful for Grady Gross and you understand what I hope Grady Gross is grateful for? “DeBoer said

.”The scholarship he’s made.”Gross ’emotions took control of once again, however this time he was mobbed by teammates in a raucous atmosphere, commemorating him and the culmination of a 12-0 routine season. Gross missed a 43-yard basket in the second quarter and invested the remainder of the game wanting a chance at redemption. “I was leaping up on the sideline,’ Get me in there, ‘” he said.Gross didn’t know it at the time, however

the training staff had actually currently chosen before the game he was going to be placed on scholarship. DeBoer was waiting for the best minute to break the news.”I think today was the correct time to make that take place, “DeBoer stated.”We knew sooner or later the time was going to come where we

were going to recognize him, and our group simply truly believed in Grady. They love him.”The moment @gross_grady made a scholarship #USvsUS #WinnersWin pic.twitter.com/fqz1Au9Wuq!.?.!— Washington Football (@UW_Football )November 26, 2023 Gross’ opportunity to win the game came due to the fact that of a risky– but successful– choice from DeBoer minutes earlier.Facing fourth-and-1 from their own 29-yard line, with one minute and 15 seconds left, DeBoer put everything on the line– the rivalry game, the unbeaten routine season, perhaps a berth in the College Football Playoff– and went for it with ball game connected at 21. A failed conversion

would have provided the Cougars the ball in field goal range.Initially, DeBoer sent the punt team on the field and had the unit effort to get WSU to jump offside. When that didn’t work, the offense returned out to run an alternative play that had actually not been set up till early in the week.” [Offensive organizer Ryan] Grubb was speaking about that play

throughout the game stating that play was all set,” quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said. “And at the time we needed it the most, it was terrific timing.”Penix could have handed the ball off straight ahead however check out the WSU edge protector and decided to pitch it to receiver Rome Odunze on an end around. Odunze sprung totally free for a 23-yard gain to the WSU 48.” Absolutely type of a dangerous call, “Odunze said.”But for me, every time we go for it, I resemble, ‘OK, let’s go get the very first down.'”After a roughing the passer penalty pushed the Huskies even more into WSU area, they ran 5 more plays– not including a made field goal attempt negated by a WSU timeout– before Gross struck the

winner and fans hurried the field. Washington ended up being the very first– and will stand as the only– team to end up unbeaten in the conference’s 12-team period, which began in 2012. The Huskies will play Oregon (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12 )in the conference championship game in Las Vegas on Friday. Washington gave the Ducks their only loss of the season in a 36-33 thriller in Seattle on Oct. 14. With Washington set to sign up with the Big Ten next season, this was the last Apple Cup with both schools becoming part of the exact same conference. They will continue the series as a nonconference contest for at least the next 5 seasons.WSU’s season ended with the loss. The Cougars(5-7 )needed a win to reach bowl eligibility.