Washington Outlasts Texas in High-Scoring Sugar Bowl to Advance to CFP Championship Game

Washington will face Michigan in college football's national championship game after beating Texas 37-31.

The No. 2 Washington Huskies advanced to college football's national championship game after beating the No. 3 Texas Longhorns 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl.

The Huskies were able to hold off a furious Longhorns comeback attempt, stopping a fade by quarterback Quinn Ewers to Adonai Mitchell on fourth down at Washington’s 13-yard line on the final play of the game.

The Huskies, who improved to 14-0, will face No. 2 Michigan at NRG Stadium in Houston at 7:30 pm ET on Jan. 8.

Immediately after the game, oddsmakers installed Michigan (14-0) as 4-point favorites  with a game total of 55.

Washington's Michael Penix Jr. was superb throwing for the third most yards (430) in Sugar Bowl history on the strength of completing 29-of-38 passes (76.3%). 

PURPLE REIGN ☂️

Washington wins the Sugar Bowl and is moving on to the CFP National Championship game ‼️ pic.twitter.com/m0GuDiLL6y

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 2, 2024

Wideouts Rome Odunze (six receptions for 125 yards) and Ja'Lynn Polk (five receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown) were dynamic all game long coming up with big plays when the Huskies needed to move the chains.

Washington junior running back Dillon Johnson helped Washington remain balanced on offense, rushing for a team-high 49 yards and two touchdowns. 

Texas, which finished the season 12-2, came up short despite an impressive rushing attack that gained 180 rushing yards (6.4 yards per rush) and three touchdowns on the ground.