By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
When Washington needed yards, the fourth-ranked Huskies gave the ball to Myles Gaskin. Then they handed it to Lavon Coleman.
Throughout Friday's 41-10 win over No. 8 Colorado in the Pac-12 championship game at Levi's Stadium, Washington used a combination of speed and power to march down the field, grinding their way to a title.
"We love physical football," Coleman said. "We love challenges. It's just a great thing to really assert dominance when it comes to something that's such a key point in the game. Establishing the run with me and Myles, it was great."
Gaskin finished the game with 159 yards on 29 carries. Coleman added 101 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Two backs. 260 yards. One satisfying win.
"It's a great feeling to win these games with your brothers," Gaskin said. "The O-line was doing their thing. They really showed up to play today. I love those guys up front. All of the credit goes to God, but those guys were working today.
"Coach (Jonathan) Smith called the right plays. Lavon, myself, everyone was breaking tackles. We were just doing our thing."
After Taylor Rapp – the game's MVP – sparked the Huskies in the second half with two interceptions, one for a touchdown, Gaskin and Coleman worked the clock.
In fact, on one drive in the fourth quarter, the duo combined for 12 straight carries that set up Chico McClatcher's 8-yard touchdown run. The Huskies covered 65 yards on 13 rushing plays on the drive, eating up almost nine minutes.
"They started off fast and they ran that ball," said John Ross, who added a spectacular touchdown catch of his own. "I'm proud of the O-line. They did a great job."
Gaskin and Coleman have different styles. They complement each other. They help wear down defenses.
"You've got speed and elusive and you've got power and strength," Coleman said. "Either way, we're coming at you full speed."
And, once the game was over, they celebrated the way they ran the ball – full speed ahead. And then, once the confetti cleared, the duo continued their celebration in the locker room, posing for photos with the championship trophy.
"This feels great," Coleman said. "After all the hard work, grinding week in, week out and just really believing in the season and each other, it feels good."
