Kalen DeBoer on 1st-half pass interference call: 'Looked pretty uncatchable to me'

It looked like Washington was gearing up to take a 20-3 lead into halftime as Oregon tried to rattle off one last scoring drive in the first half. But a crucial pass interference call helped set up a touchdown to make it a 20-10 ballgame — and it’s safe to say Kalen DeBoer didn’t agree with it.

Troy Franklin went to catch a pass from Bo Nix and was defended closely by Jabbar Muhammad as the ball landed in the end zone. However, the referee threw the flag and called pass interference, giving Oregon the ball at the Washington 9-yard line.

Three plays later, the Ducks scored on a pass from Nix to Terrance Ferguson, who made a ridiculous catch in the process. As for what DeBoer told Muhammad after the call, he made it clear he didn’t think it was a catchable ball.

“When the ball is that far out of bounds and you know it, just ease off,” DeBoer told ABC’s Holly Rowe. “It looked pretty uncatchable to me.”

Kalen DeBoer: The key to the second half is to ‘just stay the course’

Washington dominated the first half in every facet. The Huskies totaled 255 yards, including 196 passing yards from Michael Penix Jr. Dillon Johnson also had a big first half with a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown on a trick play as UW took control.

DeBoer said the difference came down to the line of scrimmage, especially since Oregon only had 25 rushing yards through two quarters.

“Really proud of the way we’re playing both sides, offensive line and defensive line, controlling the run game on our end and also, forcing 3rd and longs on theirs,” DeBoer said.

As for what the plan is for the second half, DeBoer said it’s simple.

“Just stay the course,” he said. “Keep playing. Our guys will do that. We’ve been in this many times. We know what it takes.”

On the Oregon side, Nix had 117 yards and a touchdown as he completed 12 of 19 passes. Tysheem Johnson was the top target, hauling in four receptions for 61 yards.

The game is filled with implications beyond the conference championship. A spot in the College Football Playoff is on the line, as well. Washington came in at No. 3 in the penultimate rankings earlier this week while Oregon came in just outside the top four at No. 5.

The second half is shaping up to be an interesting one with plenty left to decide.