Rose Bowl
1982
Washington 28
Iowa 0
PASADENA. Calif. Washington coach Don James said after his club's
convincing 28-0 triumph over Iowa in the Rose Bowl yesterday. "I'm glad
Jacque Robinson is just a freshman. I'll be getting to know him better."
Robinson, the game's leading rusher, scored two touchdowns on runs of 1
and 34 yards, to lead the underdog Pac 10 champs to an easy victory over
the Big-10 co-champs before a crowd of 105,611 and a national television
audience (video).
While the Huskies continued Pac-10 domination in this oldest of bowl
games, Iowa played what Hawkeye coach Hayden Fry said was "an extremely
poor football game." "You have witnessed an old fashioned rump-kicking
in every phase of the game," he said. Fry said Washington did a superb
job and "this was probably the worst game we've played."
The shutout was the first in the Rose Bowl since Southern Cal blanked
Wisconsin 7-0 in 1953. "We had to run right at 'em." said James. "We
tried to get at them quick. We had some breaks, because in the first
half there were five penalties against them and none against us." James
said he started Robinson because the youngster is about 30 pounds
heavier than his other tailback and the coach felt that Iowa would have
a tougher time bringing him down. James also said Robinson appeared to
have overcome some early-season injury and fumble problems.
The Huskies missed a pass on the conversion try following their second
touchdown, taking a 13-0 half time lead, but capitalized on a two-point
conversion pass after their third touchdown. Robinson commented, "I was
telling myself I wanted to have my best performance. I know our offense
wanted this game pretty bad. I think our offense showed it has arrived.
We know how good we are."
The shutout was the first for Washington this season and made it 11
victories In the last 13 Rose Bowl games for the westerners and seven of
the last eight. Washington also gained some revenge for its 23-6 loss to
Michigan last year while Iowa was dealt its first loss in three Rose
Bowl visits. The 12th-ranked Huskies finished with a 10-2 record while
the Hawkeyes, No. 13 in the latest rankings, woundup 8-4. Robinson, who
said before the game he hoped to become the first Heisman Trophy winner
from the University of Washington, was named the game's most valuable
player.
Iowa Quarterback Gordie Bohannon was guilty of four turnovers- two
fumbles and two interceptions. Washington's second touchdown was aided
by a pass interference penalty against Iowa's Lou King on Aaron Williams
in the end zone on a second down play from the 19. Vince Coby then
scored from the one. Robinson's long run brought the third touchdown and
reserve quarterback Tim Cowan scored the finale on a 3-yard run. That
followed a Bohannon fumble at the Iowa 18 which was recovered by Lynn
Madsen.
Washington's solid defense was led by senior linebacker Mark Jerue, who
was the leading tackler of the game. Although it rained Thursday night,
skies were clear and the field relatively dry for the game. Robinson,
who played sporadically during the season, led all rushers this New
Year’s Day with 142 yard on 20 carries. Washington sophomore quarterback
Steve Pelluer hit 15 of 29 passes for 142 yards for the Huskies, who
went into the game as 2½ point underdogs to the Hawkeyes.
Washington drove 65 yards in 11 plays for the first touchdown as
Robinson gained 34 in seven carries. The big play was a pass from
Pelluer to Anthony Alien for 34 yards. Washington drove again later in
the second quarter, going 60 yards in eight plays after taking over at
their own 40 with just 1:35 to go. Coby got some justice when he scored
his touchdown. Redshlrted one year, he's been on the team for five years
yet never played in the Rose Bowl although his club has been here three
times; winning twice. Fullback Norm Granger was the leading ground
gainer for lowa with yards in 13 carries. Bohannon completed just 6 of
33 passes for 33 yards.
The game lived up to its previews as a defensive struggle, but it was
the Huskies who took advantage when their defense provided
opportunities.
Attendance- 105,611
Scoring Summary
Second Quarter
UW- Robinson 1 run (Nelson kick)
UW- Coty 1 run (pass failed)
Fourth Quarter
UW- Robinson 34 run (Skansi pass from Pelleur)
UW- Cowan 3 run (Nelson kick)
Individual Statistics
Rushing
UI- Granger 13-80, Bohannon 10-44
UW- Robinson 20-142
Passing
UI- Gales 4-7-1-51, Bohannon 6-14-2-33
UW- Pelleur 15-29-1-142
Receiving-
UI- Brown 6-52
UW- Skansi 4-69, Allen 5-68
