In a thrilling finish to Saturday's Apple Cup, Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer made a gutsy call that ultimately led to his team securing a perfect 12-0 regular season record. With the game tied and little more than 70 seconds left on the clock, Washington faced a crucial fourth-and-1 from their own 29-yard line.

Initially, DeBoer sent out the punt team in an attempt to draw the Washington State defense offside. However, when that tactic failed and a timeout was called, DeBoer decided to put his offense back on the field. It was a decision that would prove pivotal in the game.

The play that followed can only be described as a bit of magic from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and wide receiver Rome Odunze. The coaching staff had specifically designed the play for such high-pressure situations, and their preparation paid off.

Odunze executed the play flawlessly, gaining 23 yards to move the chains and keep Washington's drive alive. Another stroke of luck came in the form of a roughing penalty on the next play, which pushed the Huskies deeper into Washington State's territory. As time expired, kicker Grady Gross sealed the victory with a game-winning field goal.

Coach DeBoer expressed his pride in the team's execution and praised the coaching staff for their game planning. He acknowledged how crucial it was to trust the players to make the right decisions in the heat of the moment. DeBoer also revealed that this was the first time the team had run that specific play all season, making its success even more remarkable.

The win not only capped off a perfect regular season for Washington but also put them one step closer to securing a College Football Playoff berth. While the Huskies were already guaranteed a spot in the Pac-12 title game, a loss in the Apple Cup could have drastically changed their postseason prospects.

DeBoer attributed the team's success to the exceptional skills and composure of players like Penix, Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja'Lynn Polk. He emphasized their ability to thrive in high-pressure moments, which has been a defining characteristic of this Washington team.

As the Huskies look forward to the next phase of their season, DeBoer's bold decision-making and his players' ability to deliver under pressure has undoubtedly cemented their status as a formidable force in college football. The Washington faithful eagerly await the team's next test as they continue their pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth.