Washington vs. Texas score: Michael Penix Jr. stars as Huskies escape Sugar Bowl into national championship

The star QB put on a dazzling show as the Huskies secured a date with Michigan in the CFP National Championship

No. 2 Washington survived a dramatic comeback attempt by No. 3 Texas to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship for the first time in program history. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. put together one of the finest performances in CFP history, throwing for 430 yards and two touchdowns to outduel Texas' Quinn Ewers and cement himself in the history books. 

The Huskies had an opportunity to ice the game, but an injury to running back Dillon Johnson stopped the clock as Washington faced fourth down late in the fourth quarter. After the Longhorns received the punt, Ewers connected with wide receiver Jordan Whittington on a couple of occasions to set up a dramatic final sequence in the red zone. The Longhorns star QB let one rip into the end zone with 1 second remaining, but it fell out of the corner as Washington began its celebration. 

Penix completed at least three passes to six different receivers and contributed to 100-yard performances by both Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk. He also unleashed his legs, adding 31 yards rushing in the win. Washington jumped out to a 7-0 lead after its first drive of the game and never trailed. Much of the second half was spent up by multiple scores before Texas used a late surge from Ewers to pull back. 

Ewers got off to a slow start, completing just 10 of his first 20 passes for 102 yards. After suffering a brutal hit from Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice, Ewers came to life, throwing for 216 yards in the final period alone. Ultimately, it was not enough to overcome the Washington lead. Ewers threw for 318 yards and a touchdown in the loss. Only nine completions were to wide receivers prior to the final drive. 

• Penix's 430 yards passing ranks as the fourth-best performance in CFP history, trailing only Alabama's Mac Jones in 2020 and a pair of Joe Burrow performances for LSU in 2019. Both Jones and Burrow went on to win the national title. 
• Texas running backs C.J. Baxter and Jaydon Blue combined to average 6.8 yards per carry but received the ball only 16 combined times. Texas threw the ball 35 times on 63 plays. 
• Washington running back Dillon Johnson aggravated his foot injury during the game but did not miss snaps. While his 49 yards on 21 carries did not stand out, his physical running helped convert multiple key drives. He was carted off the field postgame. 
• Five different Washington pass-catchers cleared 48 yards receiving, while Polk and Odunze combined for 247 yards. 
• Washington is the first Pac-12 team to win a College Football Playoff Game since 2014 (Oregon). 

Read on below for takeaways from Washington's Sugar Bowl win over Texas on Monday in New Orleans. 

[Jan 2, 2024 at 12:59 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

1. Penix is the CFP's greatest advantage

Penix finished second in Heisman Trophy voting after a sensational season, but his impact was felt in every aspect of Washington's historic win. He evaded heavy pressure consistently, delivered pinpoint passes, checked every protection and blasted the Texas secondary to the tune of 430 yards on 29-of-38 passing. 

Heading into the College Football Playoff, Ewers was seen as a potential foil to Penix. During the dramatic sequence late in the game, it came to fruition as Ewers nearly led a miraculous game-winning drive. But, in the biggest moments, it was Penix making every key play. Washington has won 10 consecutive games decided by single digits. While the Huskies nearly added some chaos to the mix, Penix is the steadying force that drives everything. Now, he will get to show his stuff on the biggest stage in college football as the Huskies look for their first national title since 1991. 

[Jan 2, 2024 at 1:08 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

2. Inconsistency dooms Texas

Perhaps the greatest point of optimism for Texas heading into the Sugar Bowl was the laser focus during wins over Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. That execution unraveled early and often. Ewers completed just one of his first six pass attempts to wide receivers and hit on just 6 of 15 throws to start. Steve Sarkisian consistently moved away from his running backs despite consistent success. Later, a fumble helped flip the field and give Washington a two-score advantage. 

Texas had numerous opportunities to get back into the game. The final drive stands above as Ewers had a potential game-winning drive into the end zone batted away. The Longhorns also benefitted from a muffed punt which was turned into a score. Texas was fortunate to even have a chance at the end, but the miscues proved costly. The Longhorns remain in tremendous position as a program entering the SEC in 2024, but Texas cannot afford to be so undisciplined and compete for championships. 

[Jan 2, 2024 at 1:02 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

3. Dillon Johnson injury could prove troublesome

Washington's rushing stats don't jump off the page, but the Huskies found a clutch performer in their physical back, Dillon Johnson. The Mississippi State transfer rushed for more than 1,100 yards in 2023. No other running back on the team received more than 40 carries. Johnson was carted off the field after aggravating a lower-body injury in the final moments of the game, leaving him questionable at the moment for the national championship showdown looming next Monday with Michigan

If Johnson can't go, all eyes shift to sophomore Will Nixon and freshman Tybo Rogers. Both have some wiggle, evidenced by nearly 400 yards combined in relief. Neither boasts the physical 218-pound frame of Johnson against a tough Michigan front. Johnson's health will be top of mind heading into the final week. 

[Jan 2, 2024 at 1:21 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

4. Clash of styles on deck

Washington now prepares to play Michigan in a battle of soon-to-be Big Ten Conference foes at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8. While these two teams will be conference mates beginning next year, their attack plans were completely different on Monday. Washington is a high-flying offense unlike any Michigan has faced since TCU in the 2023 Fiesta Bowl. Michigan, meanwhile, ranks among the most physical teams in the sport, even adding another level to the Oregon team Washington faced twice this year. 

Michigan was able to handle Alabama with physicality and misdirection, and Washington has not been elite against the interior run. Similarly, Washington has never been tested by a secondary as opportunistic as Michigan. It should make for an all-time battle next Monday night as we crown a national champion for the 2023 season. 

[Jan 2, 2024 at 12:40 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Johnson injury gives Texas chance

Washington running back Dillon Johnson needed to be helped off the field after apparently aggravating his foot injury while trying to run out the clock. In addition to taking out Washington's best rusher, the punt prevented the Huskies from running the clock down within 10 seconds remaining. Instead, Texas will get the ball with decent field position and about 40 seconds remaining and a chance to win the game. Johnson posted 49 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns before going down. 

[Jan 2, 2024 at 12:21 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Michael Penix Jr. legacy moment

4Q: No. 2 Washington 37, No. 3 Texas 28

When the game was cut to one score, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. responded with one of the most legendary drives in program history. Penix completed five consecutive passes for 58 yards, capped off by a 32-yard connection to Rome Odunze, to set up a potentially game-clinching field goal to push the lead to two scores with only 2:44 remaining. 

Penix is up to 430 yards and two touchdowns as part of a historically significant performance, ranking as the fourth-best passing performance of the College Football Playoff. The other two players to reach 430 yards -- 2019 Joe Burrow and 2020 Mac Jones -- went on to win the national championship. 

[Jan 2, 2024 at 12:12 am ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ewers finding his rhythm

4Q: No. 2 Washington 34, No. 3 Texas 28

Since suffering a big hit by a Washington defender, Quinn Ewers has erupted. Ewers has completed 9 of his last 10 passes for 123 yards and connected with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for a floating 1-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. The score could not have come at a better time as the Longhorns have now cut the lead to less than a touchdown entering the stretch run. Texas is up to 384 yards of offense, which finally outpaces the amount of yards Michael Penix Jr. has on his own. The touchdown catch by Mitchell is his fifth in a College Football Playoff Game in five appearances with former school Georgia. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 11:53 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Arch Manning warms up

4Q: No. 2 Washington 34, No. 3 Texas 21

Texas backup quarterback Arch Manning was seen warming up after Quinn Ewers took a hard hit to the head. Ewers' head slammed hard off the turf following a hit from Washington's Bralen Trice. Manning put his helmet on and began warming up, but Ewers ultimately stayed in the game. 

Seeing Manning put his helmet on seems to have woken Ewers up. The second-year starter completed four straight passes for 57 yards to drive down the field, but running back Jaydon Blue fumbled a ball down the field that was recovered by Washington to end a promising drive. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 11:44 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Washington in full control

End 3Q: No. 2 Washington 31, No. 3 Texas 21

Washington is close to putting a dagger in Texas heading into the fourth quarter of the Sugar Bowl. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is competing with the best individual College Football Playoff performances of all time after throwing for 372 yards and adding 31 yards rushing. He has thrown at least 40 yards to five different receivers, headlined by Ja'Lynn Polk's 123 yards and a touchdown. 

Texas has been a zero in the passing game, completing just half of its passes for 102 yards through three quarters. The receivers have just five combined catches as Texas has been outgained by more than 200 yards. The Longhorns' running backs have run the ball well, but Texas has moved away from them, even when facing favorable situations. 

Washington has the ball on the edge of the red zone with a chance to add another dagger. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 11:31 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas struggles to find offense

3Q: No. 2 Washington 31, No. 3 Texas 21

While Washington continues to roll, Texas can't find a pulse offensively. The running game remains a significant part of the plan, but Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been a zero. The Longhorns have just 34 yards early in the quarter and Ewers only has one completion for 5 yards. Steve Sarkisian has bizarrely moved away from the running game, handing the ball to running backs just 14 times in 41 plays. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 11:17 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Penix continues big night

3Q: No. 2 Washington 28, No. 3 Texas 21

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues his reign of terror after leading a scoring drive to open the second half. Penix threw an 11-yard conversion on third down to Jalen McMillan and found him in a tight window for a 19-yard touchdown pass. Penix is up to 328 yards and two touchdowns early in the third quarter after Washington recovered a fumble deep in their own territory. 

Joe Burrow's 493 passing yards against Oklahoma in 2019 is the most ever in a College Football Playoff game. Penix could potentially challenge for the mark. Another score here would be a dagger. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 10:42 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

A tight battle at the half

HALF: No. 2 Washington 21, No. 3 Texas 21

Washington and Texas are playing a close chess match at halftime of the 2024 Sugar Bowl. The Huskies are outgaining the Longhorns by nearly 100 yards, but a muffed punt ultimately swung the game and gifted Texas seven much-needed points. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is putting on a show, throwing for 255 yards and a touchdown, including two passes of more than 50 yards downfield. Wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, a Texas native, has 106 yards in the first half alone. 

Texas is having great success running the ball, including a few much-needed scrambles from quarterback Quinn Ewers. The Longhorns are averaging 6.4 yards per carry as a team, and a late scramble from Ewers helped set up a touchdown run to tie the game. However, Ewers hasn't been at his best with his arm, throwing for just 97 yards on 18 pass attempts. 

Washington is averaging 9.8 yards per play to 5.9 for Texas. The Huskies have also held the ball for four more minutes and get the ball to start the second half. The winner of this one will move on to the College Football Playoff National Championship next Monday in Houston to meet No. 1 Michigan, who earlier defeated No. 4 Alabama in an overtime thriller at the Rose Bowl. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 10:32 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Washington scores on tipped pass

2Q: Washington 21, Texas 14

The Huskies made a huge gamble by going for it on fourth down deep in their own territory, but Michael Penix Jr. and Ja'Lynn Polk made Texas pay again. Penix's pass to Polk was tipped, but Polk adjusted and pulled it into the end zone for yet another score. The touchdown was Penix's first of the game, but he has controlled the evening in New Orleans. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 10:24 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Washington gets key conversion

The Huskies have been fearless all day and did not back down facing fourth-and-1 from its own 33-yard line. Washington seemed to fake baiting Texas into a hard count but called a timeout and lined up again with the offense. This time, Michael Penix Jr. snapped the ball and handed it off to running back Dillon Johnson for a run up the middle. Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu helped clear the way as Washington's momentum stayed alive. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 10:10 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Penix continues to deal

Texas got a significant stop on fourth down against Washington deep in its own territory, but Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues to have his way with the Texas secondary. This time it was connecting with Rome Odunze on the edge of the red zone for 52 yards. In the key spots, however, Washington decided to test the interior of the Texas defensive line. It did not go well. Texas has an opportunity to take advantage. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:59 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Longhorns call on the big man

2Q: Texas 14, Washington 14

Texas took full advantage of the first major swing of the ball game as a muffed punt set up a rushing score from defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. The play was much-needed for Texas, which was quickly starting to lose control of the game after a handful of electric plays from Washington's offense. Now, the game is tied and the defense got a critical opportunity to regroup. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:55 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas with a huge break

Washington went nearly 20 minutes without making a single mistake, but special teams came to bite at the worst time. Germie Bernard mishandled a punt at the 22-yard line and Texas recovered to give itself a much-needed shot at the red zone. Texas has struggled to create any consistent offense, and needed a big break to get the game under control. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:52 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Ryan Grubb having his way

2Q: Washington 14, Texas 7

Washington put together a nine-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to once again take control of the game. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was in his bag, mixing in passing concepts with misdirection runs to keep a high-powered Texas defense on its heels. Running back Dillon Johnson has just 10 yards on seven carries, but his hard running has swung multiple plays over the game, including his two scores. Texas has not found any answers. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:44 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

End 1Q: No. 2 Washington 7, No. 3 Texas 7

Texas and Washington have both come out hot offensively in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl as they battle for the right to meet No. 1 Michigan in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been masterful, throwing for 138 yards in the first period alone and connecting on a trio of unbelievably pretty passes. The Huskies are driving down the field as the second quarter begins. 

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been much slower, hitting just 2 of 6 passes, but Texas' running game is starting to find its rhythm. CJ Baxter is averaging 9.5 yards per carry but got just four touches in the opening period. A holding call killed another chance at putting together a lengthy drive. The only completions for Ewers were within 5 yards of the line. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:25 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Both playcallers have started hot

Both Steve Sarkisian and Kalen DeBoer are regarded as some of the top offensive minds in the game, and so far we've seen some tempo and creativity from these teams in a fast start to the first quarter. Now the cat-and-mouse game is on as both teams start to make adjustments, which will be followed by the counter to those adjustments. Texas was out of sorts on its first drive, but that seven-play, 75-yard drive was almost all successful plays for the Longhorns. Admittedly, some of that credit also goes to Quinn Ewers for his escapability on a couple of plays where no one was open, but you can tell the expectations for a fun and high-flying game are probably going to be met tonight. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:22 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas RBs finding success

1Q: Texas 7, Washington 7

Quinn Ewers missed on his first four passes, but Texas finally leaned on its running backs and found success. Ewers connected with CJ Baxter on a screen pass that went for 31 yards to flip the field. After that, Texas simply leaned on its running game down the field for a touchdown. Ewers, Baxter and Jaydon Blue have keyed a Texas running game that has 60 yards in the early going. Blue punched a ball into the end zone to tie the game. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:14 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Penix magic leads to Washington score

Washington came out completely unfazed by the moment in its first drive. Quarterback Michael Penix threw an absolute bomb to Ja'Lynn Polk, who ran it all the way to the goal line. This is what makes Washington so unbelievably difficult: the Huskies' passing offense is one of the greatest mismatches in all of college football. The Longhorns are without starting safety Derek Williams for the first half, and the safeties getting turned around cost them there. 

One play later, running back Dillon Johnson punched it in for the score. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:07 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Texas getting too cute

The Longhorns benefitted from positive field position, but Texas tried to get quarterback Quinn Ewers going at the expense of the offense. Texas only rushed once for 16 yards but let Ewers drop back four times and missed on all four attempts. One of the throws appeared to be a run-pass option that Ewers read poorly. Washington's front seven jumped in early and batted multiple passes. The Huskies defense came ready to play. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 9:03 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Blue to receive

With Keilan Robinson sidelined as a kickoff returner, running back Jaydon Blue took over kickoff responsibilities for the first time this season. He had a strong return, bringing it out 31 yards to the Texas 34-yard line. The Longhorns get good position to start their first Sugar Bowl since 2018. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 8:21 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Robinson wrapped up

Texas running back Keilan Robinson came out for warmups in the Sugar Bowl with a heavy cast on his left hand. Robinson is a utility player at running back, but serves as a primary kickoff returner for the Longhorns. Over the past two seasons, Robinson has returned 35 kickoffs for a 24.5 yards per return average. 

If Robinson does not participate in kickoff return, receiver Jordan Whittington is next on the depth chart. However, Whittington only has three kickoff returns in his career. Savion Red is the only other returner with multiple kick returns on the team. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 8:15 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Game Prediction

Texas has been the better team on paper this season. The Longhorns boast more NFL talent and have perhaps the best overall win in college football on the road against No. 4 Alabama. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is fresh off of one of his best career games, throwing for 452 yards and four touchdowns in a Big 12 title game win against Oklahoma State. 

But for all the advantages, there's just something about Washington. The Huskies play with a situational confidence that has keyed the impressive 20-game winning streak. Washington has clamped down in fourth quarters and consistently put away games offensively. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. deserves much more acclaim for his excellence in clutch moments. 

Texas played four games against teams ranked in the final CFP Top 25. Wins against Oklahoma State and Alabama were decided by double-figures. The Longhorns gave up major collapses against Oklahoma and Kansas State, needing a stop on the last play to survive. Washington thrives jumping on mistakes. 

Prediction: Washington 38, Texas 34

[Jan 1, 2024 at 8:04 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Texas fans painting the Superdome burnt orange

Hello from the Superdome. Kickoff is an hour away, both teams have finally taken the field in pads for warm-ups and there is a noticeable crowd advantage for Texas. That's not to say Washington didn't bring a respectable contingent of students and fans, but burnt orange is the dominant color in the stands and the cheers for the Longhorns when they took the field seemed to come from all corners of this cavernous dome. 

Now that could be a major edge if things are going well and Texas' defense has Washington's offense going in the wrong direction, but I'm also curious about how this Texas-heavy crowd might react if the Huskies jump out to an early and sizable lead. Would Texas start to press or get tight? Would an overwhelming sense of dread become the dominant vibe? Washington has won in plenty of tough road environments during hits active 20-game winning streak, so adding another victory in enemy territory is not a big ask for Kalen DeBoer's group. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 8:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

What to know about Texas vs. Washington

The 2024 Sugar Bowl plays host to the final College Football Playoff semifinal of the four-team era on Monday as No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas clash in New Orleans. As we kick off a year that will bring major changes to the sport, both the Longhorns and Huskies have a chance to etch their legacy on a fading college football era. 

How to watch Texas vs. Washington: TV channel, live stream, Sugar Bowl odds, College Football Playoff game

David Cobb

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[Jan 1, 2024 at 7:30 pm ET · Shehan Jeyarajah]

Strength on weakness

Texas and Washington have both been situationally excellent on defense, but both have an Achilles heel -- defending the pass. Texas ranks bottom 30 nationally, giving up 240.8 passing yards per game. Washington is even worse, giving up 263.2 yards per game through the air. 

Granted, there's plenty of context. Texas ranks among the best running defenses in college football, leaving many teams leaning on the pass to try and find any offense. Washington rates surprisingly well in per-play metrics, and are tied with Penn State for No. 22 at 6.6 yards per attempt allowed. 

Still, Washington and Texas both possess two of the most dynamic passing games in college football. Seeing the matchup of Rome Odunze against Malik Muhammad and Adonai Mitchell against Jabbar Muhammad could decide the games. 

[Jan 1, 2024 at 7:15 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Five keys to picking the Sugar Bowl

The second College Football Playoff semifinal game on New Year's Day features a couple of top 10 offenses in the country going toe-to-toe as two coaches on the rise look to punch their first-ever ticket to the CFP National Championship. 

Texas vs. Washington, Sugar Bowl 2024: Five keys to help pick College Football Playoff semifinal matchup

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