The Day After: Kalen DeBoer, November and final thoughts from Washington-Utah

Notes, stats and observations.

SEATTLE — The first time I sat down with Ryan Grubb, Washington’s offensive coordinator made sure to note that the Huskies’ pass-friendly offensive scheme nevertheless claimed roots in chilly Midwest weather.

He also referenced a certain month.

“In this area,” Grubb said, referring to the rainy Pacific Northwest, “if you’re going to win important football games in November, you better have the ability to be physical and still be able to run the ball.”

Kalen DeBoer is 21-2 at Washington, and now 6-0 in November, four of those victories coming against opponents ranked in the top-25 at game time. The most recent one, as Grubb forecasted nearly two years ago, came in blustery conditions and intermittent rain.

And while star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues making the kind of plays that should get him to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, the Huskies have, indeed, relied upon a physical running game to set the tone in both of their November triumphs.