The Husky Haul
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Washington football and their incredible two-year turnaround

By Karley Sibert

Sep 23, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver JaLynn Polk (2) celebrates with tight end Devin Culp (83), offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett (56) and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) after catching a touchdown pass against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver JaLynn Polk (2) celebrates with tight end Devin Culp (83), offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett (56) and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) after catching a touchdown pass against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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In just two seasons, Washington football has engineered an incredible transformation that has left the college football world in awe.

From the depths of turmoil in 2021, symbolized by a shocking loss to Montana in their season opener, the firing of their head coach for pushing a player, and finishing 4-8 on the year, Washington football has completed a stunning turnaround.

The following season in 2022 they went 11-2 with a new coaching staff and starting quarterback, ultimately winning the Alamo Bowl against Texas. Head coach Kalen DeBoer came over from Fresno State and brought offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb with him. Together, they instilled a high-powered offense spearheaded by transfer quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who broke the school’s single-season passing record with 4,641 yards and 31 touchdowns and finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting.

This year they have their sights set on a coveted College Football Playoff spot with a quarterback who is now the current favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, all thanks to DeBoer and Grubb.

The Huskies have always had the talent, they just needed a coach who could lead and DeBoer has certainly done that. Jimmy Lake may have been a great defensive backs coach, be he didn’t have what it takes to be a head coach. Former Athletic Director Jen Cohen’s decision to pull DeBoer from Fresno State has proved monumental for the Washington football program. In fact, they’ve done so well that both were rumored to to be leaving the UW after the 2022 season for more high profile jobs. Instead, they decided to stay amd keep the Huskies dominant.

This triumphant resurgence from two years ago has unquestionably positioned them as true contenders in the college football landscape.

Michael Penix Jr is the Heisman Trophy favorite. light. Hot

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