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Huskies humble Nebraska, get first bowl win since '01

Coach Steve Sarkisian told ESPN it "a big win for the Husky Nation" after his Washington team beat daunting odds to defeat the 18th-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers in Thursday's Holiday Bowl in San Diego. The UW dominated on defense and offense for a 19-7 victory.

The Husky defense played inspired from the start, causing a Nebraska fumble on the Cornhuskers' first possession. The turnover led to a Washington touchdown and a 7-0 lead.  The Huskies led at halftime 10-7. The Seattle Times' Bob Condotta reportsthe UW defense set the pace:

UW didn't allow a play of longer than 20 yards in the first half and forced three punts and two turnovers.

Quarterback Jake Locker finished his Husky career by helping lead his team to a winning record, a triumphant turnaround from a UW team that went 0-12 in 2008. 

The game was a rematch of two teams that met in Seattle in September, a 56-21 Nebraska walkaway. KPLU sports commentator Art Thielof Sportspress Northwest said the rematch offered an emotional edge to the Huskies, looking to erase the bitter memory of the first loss.

Sportspress Northwest's Todd Dybas writes:

The rematch proved to be no match. Washington was the aggressor, thrilling the thousands that made the trek to Washington’s first bowl game in eight years.

Washington finished the season 7-6. Nebraska ended 9-4, playing their last game as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The Cornhuskers become part of the Big 10 next season.