Washington failed on a 2-point conversion with nine seconds remaining in regulation and lost the Sun Bowl, 35–34, to Louisville on Tuesday.
The Huskies scored a touchdown on fourth-and-1 on a fade pass from Demond Williams to Giles Jackson in the right back corner of the end zone.
Huskies coach Jedd Fisch then opted to go for two and the win, rather than kick the extra point to tie the game. However, Williams’ pass to Jeremiah Hunter in the same corner on an out route was knocked away by Louisville’s Antonio Watts.
Washington came close to recovering an onside kick attempt with two seconds left, but the ball went out of bounds. Cardinals quarterback Harrison Bailey took a knee on the final play to run the clock out.
Washington’s final TD drive covered 62 yards in 11 plays after the Huskies’ defense forced Louisville to punt with 2:45 remaining in regulation. Williams threw incomplete on fourth-and-goal from the Louisville 10-yard line, but a pass interference penalty on Rae’mon Mosby gave the Huskies a first down at the 2-yard line and provided another opportunity for the tying score.
On the Huskies’ previous possession, the offense drove 97 yards in 13 plays, highlighted by a 31-yard pass from Williams to Jackson for a touchdown.
Williams finished with 374 yards passing with four TDs and an interception, completing 26-of-32 passes. He also led the Huskies with 48 yards rushing on 20 carries. Jackson made 11 catches for 161 yards and four scores. Hunter added three receptions for 78 yards. Washington finished the season with a 6–7 record.
The two teams were tied 21–21 at halftime before Louisville scored the next two touchdowns. The Cardinals took a 35–21 lead with two minutes remaining in the third quarter on a 54-yard run from Duke Watson, followed by an eight-yard score by Caullin Lacy. Louisville only managed two first downs on its final two possessions, which allowed Washington to rally.
Harrison Bailey completed 16-of-25 passes for three touchdowns and 164 yards for the Cardinals, who finished their season 9–4. Isaac Brown rushed for 99 yards on 18 carries, while Watson racked up 83 yards on 10 carries. Chris Bell had six receptions for 60 yards.
