Texas Longhorns Earn 'Rematch' vs. Washington Huskies In Sugar Bowl

The Texas Longhorns fell to the Huskies 27-20 last December in the Alamo Bowl despite a dominant performance from Quinn Ewers.

They earned their right to fight for a night in Houston.

And everyone inside the locker room believes it. 

After securing their first Big 12 championship Saturday at AT&T Stadium, the Texas Longhorns jumped four spots, securing the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff. They'll face a familiar opponent in No. 2-seed Washington on Jan. 1, 2024, in the Sugar Bowl for a spot in the national championship. 

"It’s unreal," said quarterback Quinn Ewers Sunday. "I get goosebumps every time I even think about it. Truly honored to be a part of a team that works this hard. I know we’re going to come to play." 

It's no longer a dream for Steve Sarkisian's squad. It's a reality. Sure, the Longhorns (12-1, 9-1 Big 12) stumbled through road trips to Houston and Fort Worth. They faced a scare in Austin as Kansas State scored 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to force the top 25 matchup to overtime. 

But Texas, a program known over the past decade for getting in its way — "Texasing," as some would put it — evaded heartbreak. It notched four ranked wins, including a 10-point victory over a then top-three Alabama roster in Title Town. It averaged 36.2 points per game and won nine games by double-digits. 

The Longhorns left no doubt, even while fighting through injuries and self-inflicted wounds to claim their first conference title since 2009. The fruits of their labors were rewarded as the Burnt Orange background and White Longhorn logo appeared on the television screen at a watch party in Austin. 

"Everybody is jumping for joy because that’s what we wanted right from the jump," said linebacker Jaylan Ford. "To finally be in this position, it’s amazing to say the least.”

The margin of error of making the final four and watching from afar was slim. Georgia, which rolled into the SEC title bout on a 29-game win streak, dropped five spots after a 27-24 defeat by the Crimson Tide. Florida State's defense dominated Louisville in Charlotte to close out an undefeated season, but its limited offense landed the Seminoles at the No. 5 spot. 

Texas' offense was on fire early in Arlington against No. 18 Oklahoma State, leaving little to judge based on resume. Ewers broke Sam Bradford's Big 12 title game passing record midway through the third quarter and finished with 452 yards and four touchdowns. Adonai Mitchell slipped past a pair of Pokes' defenders to total 109 receiving yards.

Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian on the sidelines at the Big 12  Championship  / USA Today Sports

From Ja'Tavion Sanders to Xaiver Worthy, the pass-catchers feasted in front of an Orange-clad crowd in Arlington. And the trio of Keilan Robinson, CJ Baxter and Jaydon Blue combined for nearly 200 yards and three scores. 

Oklahoma State's offense mustered up 281 yards and two turnovers. Ollie Gordon, whose 1,580 yards rushing entering the game led all FBS rushers entering Saturday, barely picked up a first down, let alone more than 3.0 yards per carry. 

"We’ve been in a lot closer games, and last year I don’t think we closed out those close games," said Ewers. "This year, I think we’re more than capable of staying poised and level-headed and able to finish out those games.”

No, the Longhorns are not "back" just yet. That takes time and consistent staying power over a number of years for validation. 

Are they close? Somewhat, yes. They'll be closer with a win over the No. 2 Huskies, who thwarted a nine-win season on the Forty Acres behind a two-touchdown performance from Michael Penix Jr. in a 27-20 win at the Alamodome. 

Penix is back. So are receivers Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillian. The Huskies haven't lost a game since early October 2022 and feature perhaps the nation's most dangerous offense. 

"It’s kind of funny how that all works out," said Ewers of the rematch. "Couldn’t be more excited for this amazing opportunity.”

Sarkisian said back in August Texas had embraced the "John Wick mentality," referencing the titular movie character who goes on a "merciless rampage" against his enemies. 

Wick looks for revenge after being wronged. The Longhorns will do the same in New Orleans, only this time the prize is a seat at the national title table. 

WATCH: Texas Celebrates College Football Playoff Bid With Emotion

"All this year, our thing was teams that we lost to last year, giving them our best shot again," said Ford. "To see that us and Washington are in the college playoff after being in the Alamo Bowl last year, it’s kind of ironic you know?

"I think for us, we’re ready to finally get a chance to show what Texas football is.”