SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The opening kickoff sailed out of bounds. The pass interference penalty on the first play of the game brought Washington to midfield.
From there, the Huskies made it clear their game plan in Friday night’s Pac-12 championship game would include a heavy dose of smashmouth.
Six rushes and 50 yards later, Washington had a 7-0 lead. The touchdown, which came on a 1-yard run by Lavon Coleman, was the first score all season given up by Colorado on an opponents’ opening drive. And it was only the 11th rushing touchdown the Buffs had given up all season.