The Huskers vs. Huskies three-game series is now deadlocked.  Chris Polk romped for 177 yards and touchdown, as Washington upset heavily-favored Nebraska 19-7, to claim their first Holiday Bowl victory in school history. The Huskies (7-6) exacted revenge from a 56-21 loss to the No. 16 Huskers (10-4) in September. The two teams will play again in early 2011. 

Quarterback Jake Locker shook off some first half struggles, and keyed a pivotal third quarter scoring drive that sealed the game for Washington. He threw for only 53 yards, but also ran for 83 yards and a touchdown. 

The Huskies looked like a different squad than the one that was embarrassed in September. Their defense stifled a Husker attack that rolled up 533 yards in the first matchup, holding Nebraska to 151 total yards, while forcing two turnovers and a safety. Taylor Martinez threw for 53 yards with a touchdown and interception for the Huskers. The freshman managed just 21 yards on the ground, exiting in the third quarter with an injury.

The first half was an exercise in offensive futility for both teams. Locker failed to complete a pass, and the Huskers kept killing drives with penalties and turnovers.  Washington benefited from the first of those turnovers when Rex Burkhead fumbled on Nebraska’s opening drive. The Huskies cashed in four plays later, on a Polk touchdown run. The Huskers answered with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Kyler Reed early in the second, but Washington held a surprising 10-7 lead at half. 

Locker’s first completion of the night was a big one.  The senior extended a third-quarter scoring drive with a beautiful 26-yard pass to D’Andre Goodwin.  He scampered in from 25 yards on the next play, giving the Huskies a ten-point lead.