Texas vs. Washington Sugar Bowl Game Predictions

The Texas Longhorns will take on the Washington Huskies on Monday night, hoping to earn a spot in the national championship game.

NEW ORLEANS, LA -- The Texas Longhorns are on the precipice of having their first shot at a national title since 2005 when they head to the Super Dome to take on the Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl.

It is the first College Football Playoff berth in program history and a chance for the Longhorns to officially re-cement themselves as a national power. 

It won't be easy, with the Huskies bringing in the nation's best passing attack, and the Horns struggling in pass defense. That said, the Longhorns have a pretty solid pass game themselves, coupled with the country's best defensive lines. 

So who will earn a spot in the CFP Final in Houston next week? Longhornscountry.com's staff gives their predictions below:

Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK

Matt Galatzan, Managing Editor and Publisher

These two teams are remarkably similar. Both have elite quarterbacks and pass catches and suspect secondaries. Both protect the quarterback, both rush the football well and both have elite offensive minds as head coaches. 

Where Texas does hold the advantage though, is their elite front seven, with T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy anchoring arguably the nation's best defensive line. I think that makes the difference in a high-scoring affair and sends the Longhorns to the national championship game. 

Texas 45, Washington 35

Kevin Borba, Staff Writer

The moment that Texas and its fans have been waiting on for over a decade now, the Longhorns have a chance to really prove they are back against Washington. I expect this game to be a shootout thanks to the two talented quarterbacks and less-than-stellar defensive back play.

Washington is more battle-tested, but Texas peaked at the perfect time down the stretch. I think the Longhorns escape a close one to advance to the title game in Houston. 

Texas 35, Washington 32

Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Says Washington's Kalen DeBoer Has 'Excellent' Schemes

Cole Thompson, Staff Writer

Texas’ ability to contain the run should make Washington one-dimensional. The bad news? That dimension is potent and about as lethal as one could want. 

Neither program is exceptional in coverage, so it all comes down to a play or two. Michael Penix Jr. just has this persona around him that’s mesmerizing. It shows up Saturday night. Texas is “back” from being an underachieving program. It’s not “back” the way fans want.

Washington 38, Texas 30

Zach Dimmitt, Staff Writer

Fan bases of both teams are feeling ultra-confident headed into this game, and there’s no reason not to. It feels like a toss-up. 

Of course, one of the main storylines has been which secondary gives up the most big plays. You would think this means a disadvantage for Texas due to Washington’s elite passing attack led by Michael Penix Jr., but look for the Longhorns' defensive line to have a major impact at making Penix uncomfortable. 

At the end of the day though, either side getting its running game going could be the key in a game that’s been talked about as a pass-happy contest.

Advantage? I think Texas.

Texas 41, Washington 39