Huskies Send Seniors Out With Apple Cup Win
November 27, 2015 | Football
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
Taniela Tupou wanted to make sure he made the most of his last chance to celebrate a win on Washington's home field.
Each time the Huskies score a touchdown, the university's cheerleaders sprint across the end zone with a giant purple flag. So, after the Huskies' 45-10 victory over No. 20 Washington State in the 108th Apple Cup, Tupou found one of those purple flags and started running.
“I saw the cheerleaders running with it, so I figured let's just grab it and run around with it,” the senior defensive lineman said.
He ran in front of the stands. He ran toward the middle of the field. He stopped and became engulfed in the flag, as if he were wrapped in a giant purple robe, only to emerge with a wide ear-to-ear grin.
This is how Washington's seniors wanted to go out. They secured a win. They helped the Huskies become bowl eligible. They earned another victory against their rivals.
“This is huge,” Tupou said. “I grew up watching the Dawgs play. It was always a dream I had growing up.”
When Tupou was younger, he would play “Huskies vs. Cougs” at recess. He always imagined himself playing for Washington at Husky Stadium. In his final game on the Huskies' home turf, he was part of a defense that forced seven turnovers and scored three touchdowns.
“These are the games you remember forever,” Tupou said. “This is forever. No one can ever take this away from us.”
Senior Cory Littleton added, “It's always best to go out on a win and that's exactly what we did today, but we did better than just win today. We dominated. I'll never forget this day.”
Before the game, Washington honored each senior. Then, once the game started, the Huskies did everything they could to ensure the seniors walked off the field with a win.
“Last year, our bowl game, it was rough,” linebacker Keishawn Bierria said. “Seeing the faces on those seniors, it was their last game in college. It was important to make sure (this year) they went out on top.”
From freshmen – Myles Gaskin finished with 138 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries – to sophomores – cornerbacks Sidney Jones and Darren Gardenhire both scored defensive touchdowns – juniors and seniors, everyone contributed.
“It's amazing,” Gaskin said. “I'm going to miss these guys. That's the best way to leave them, really. You don't ever want to lose and you don't want their last memory at Husky Stadium to be an L. To be able to say we won the way we did, with all the smiles and all that good stuff, all those good vibes, it's great.”
Linebacker Azeem Victor had a pick-six. Quarterback Jake Browning completed 14 of 20 passes for 203 yards. Senior Brian Clay finished with eight tackles.
“This meant everything, especially the way we went out,” Clay said. “With seven turnovers, our defense really dominated. I wouldn't want it any other way.”
From start to finish, Washington made a statement. The Huskies provided an opportunity for their seniors to enjoy one more win at home. Like Tupou said, “This is forever.”
It was a day these Huskies will never forget.
Players Mentioned
