What a game! The Washington Huskies deserved to win the College Football Playoff semi-final and held on at the end. While the defense deserves credit for making it difficult on the Texas Longhorns during critical moments of the game, the offense was spectacular! Now in a position for the Washington Huskies to win it all, this offense appears to be in high gear and clutch, just as they have been all year long.
Washington Huskies QB Performance
It wasn’t just that Michael Penix Jr. put up great numbers, it was how he did it. The ease of his throwing motion and his effortless throwing of the ball downfield were beautiful to watch. Not only that, but when he needed to make plays with his feet he showed that he was more than capable. As good as this Texas Longhorns team has been, Penix looked like he could have anything he wanted at any time during the game.
Penix went 29 of 38 for 430 passing yards, which places him third all-time in the College Football Playoffs. His two touchdowns and 31 added rushing yards proved to be enough for the Washington Huskies to beat Texas.
While Texas threatened at the end, the Washington Huskies were in control throughout the game and deserved to move on to the College Football Championship. Had Quinn Ewers been able to connect on a final touchdown play, nothing could have taken away from the spectacular performance that we saw from Penix.
Washington Huskies Highlight Play
Aside from his red zone throws, one of the plays that really stood out Monday night was a deep completion of his in the second quarter. With about ten minutes left to go in the half, the Washington Huskies stood on their 25-yard line. Slightly rolling to his left, and then stepping up in the pocket, Penix threw the ball about 45 yards in the air to a covered receiver in stride.
And while Rome Odunze of course deserves credit for fighting through contact, few in college football can make that throw. His ability to throw a deep ball that accurately positions the Washington Huskies to always be one play away from getting into the endzone will certainly give the Michigan Wolverines trouble in their upcoming matchup.
Washington Huskies QB Postgame
Sitting on the sidelines for the final Texas drive, you could see the agony on his face as he watched his teammates come up with the final stop. Both feeling relieved and overjoyed, after being awarded the Most Outstanding Player of the Game award, he spoke of the job not being finished yet.
We’ve got one more to go…I said it before the season started, our goal was to win a national championship. And now we’ve got the opportunity, we’ve got the shot to do it.
While the Washington Huskies appeared happy to have won, you could also tell that there was not a final sense of satisfaction either. Knowing the different challenges that this Michigan team can bring, they will be looking to continue their explosive big plays. But for one night, this team deserved to relish in the glory of a well-fought and earned victory.