The Washington Huskies and the Texas Longhorns faced off in the Sugar Bowl. This was the second semi-final game of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The winner would go on to face the Michigan Wolverines. They defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime earlier in the day.
So, how did the Sugar Bowl play out? Let’s dive into it.
Washington Huskies Defeated Texas Longhorns 37-31
To no one’s surprise, this Sugar Bowl had a lot of points. However, the game started out slow. Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns were stopped on their first drive. Then, both teams were able to put up touchdowns during their next possessions.
The second quarter had the most points in the game. Each team had two touchdowns. Texas scored their last touchdown with just 17 seconds to go until halftime. That resulted in a 21-21 halftime score.
However, Washington was able to take control of the game in the second half. Thanks to a 19-yard touchdown pass from Michael Penix Jr. to Jalen McMillan and a 26-yard field goal, the Huskies led by 10 points at the end of the third quarter.
Washington even had a 40-yard field goal in the beginning of the fourth quarter as insurance. However, they almost blew the lead on the final drive. Due to RB Dillon Johnson getting injured with under a minute to go, the Huskies were forced to call a timeout. That allowed Texas to get one final drive.
They tried their best to complete the comeback down 37-31. This included a 41-pass on 3rd and 10 from Ewers to Jordan Whittington. Despite Texas’ best efforts, it is Washington that will advance to the national championship.
Washington Huskies Moving Forward
Now, Washington will face Michigan in the national championship. However, the status of RB Dillon Johnson is looming for the Huskies. Both teams have gone multiple decades since their last titles. For Washington, their last title came in 1991. Michigan’s last title was in 1997. Someone will end their drought next week.
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