The Texas Longhorns (12-1, 8-1 Big 12) are all set to face the Washington Huskies (13-0, 9-0 Pac-12) on Monday at the Superdome, in the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP). This year’s Sugar Bowl matchup is a repeat of last year’s Alamo Bowl which saw quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Washington defeat Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns 27-20.
Washington tore through the Pac-12 conference with an undefeated record which included two wins over the Oregon Ducks. The Longhorns lost one game in the slate of Big 12 contests (Oklahoma 34, Texas 30) but have won their last seven games which ended with a 49-21 thrashing of Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship.
Both teams have great offenses.
Both teams have areas in their defenses that are vulnerable.
And both teams have really good coaches.
After it is all said and done, this year’s Allstate Sugar Bowl should provide an exciting four quarters of football from two very talented programs.
It has been almost a month since either team has played, but the stakes are high – extremely high. A win would vault the Longhorns into their first national championship game in fourteen years. For Washington, the last time they played for a national title was in 1991. They won it all that year, defeating Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Will Texas win their eighth straight game and second Sugar Bowl in five seasons? Or will Washington upset the favored Longhorns and improve to 14-0?
The HornSports Staff shares their thoughts and score predictions on Monday’s CFP matchup between the No. 3 Longhorns and No. 2 Huskies.
Jameson McCausland (11-2)
This game has been broken down a million different ways by now. It is no secret that Washington is facing a Texas secondary that is suspect and it is no secret that Texas is facing a Washington defense that has been shaky at times.
The style in which this game plays out will be interesting. Do both coaches just try to score a million points and accept a shootout?
There is very little you can take from last year’s Alamo Bowl, but it was interesting that the Texas defense mostly held the Washington passing game in check relative to their usual output. Was Pete Kwiatkowski on to something?
This has been a magical season for Texas and the Longhorns will be playing in front of a pro-Texas crowd in New Orleans. The magical ride will continue one more week.
Score Prediction: Texas 38, Washington 31
Aaron Carrara (12-1)
By all accounts I don’t remember the last time the Texas program was as focused as they currently are. They have found a way to win week-in and week-out and are saying all the right things with one voice as a team. Washington will serve as a tough, talented and well-coached opponent that will test the Longhorns – particularly on defense. Like Washington, Texas has a lethal offense but it is multi-faceted unlike that of the Huskies. I like the playcalling mind of Steve Sarkisian and expect this game to be a high scoring affair with the Longhorns making more plays when it matters.
Texas wins their first CFP appearance and ends Washington’s undefeated season, en route to an appearance in this year’s national championship game in Houston.
Score Prediction: Texas 41, Washington 34
Ryan Swantkowski (12-1)
What a way to kick off the new year, with a rematch of last year’s Alamo Bowl between the Huskies and Longhorns. To me, this game will have everything a CFB Playoff game should have, and even more. Here’s my analysis and prediction:
Looking at QB’s, Ewers loves to play up to the competition. This can be seen in both his game against Alabama in his career, along with Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship etc.. Looking at Penix Jr., he has shown this season that he’s not only a dual-threat QB, but is clutch in big-time moments as well. I say these QB’s are evenly matched.
Looking at RB’s, I would say Brooks and Johnson are pretty evenly matched… if Brooks wasn’t injured. So, I give the slight edge to Washington here, even though CJ Baxter can hold his own any day of the week.
Looking at WR’s, Texas is, in my opinion, deeper at the position, but Rome Odunze might just be the 2nd best WR in the nation. I give a very slight edge to Texas
For O-line and D-line, I feel Texas is stronger.
For secondary, I believe that Washington has the edge.
Overall, I expect a shootout from both sides, along with a few turnovers by each team. It should be a fun one to watch, and even more fun for Texas fans.
Score Prediction: Texas 47, Washington 40
Marc Henry (10-2)
Texas’s offensive strategy will revolve around a combination of power running to control the tempo and deep passing plays orchestrated by quarterback Quinn Ewers, targeting receivers Worty and Mitchell. The presence of elite tight end JT Sanders adds an additional dimension, particularly in the red zone, where his skills can be an x-factor.
On the defensive side, the Longhorns’ success may hinge on their ability to disrupt Washington’s quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. Applying pressure to Penix and making him uncomfortable in the pocket could disrupt the Huskies’ offensive rhythm. Limiting big plays will also be crucial, as explosive plays can quickly shift the momentum in a game.
Moreover, Texas needs to be mindful of Penix Jr.’s mobility. His ability to make plays with his feet adds an extra layer of complexity for the Longhorns’ defense. Effectively containing him and minimizing his impact as a dual-threat quarterback will be vital for Texas to control the flow of the game.
Ultimately, the outcome of the Sugar Bowl will depend on how well Texas can execute their offensive and defensive strategies against Washington’s strengths and how effectively Washington can counter Texas’s game plan.
Score Prediction: Texas 28, Washington 24
Devon Messinger (11-2)
The moment that the Longhorns have been waiting for is finally here. On Monday, the Longhorns have the opportunity to cap off their revenge tour with a win over Washington, securing a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Monday’s game will ultimately come down to the wide receiver versus secondary matchups for both teams. While the Longhorns have not boasted the greatest of performances in the secondary, neither have the Huskies. If Texas wants to escape New Orleans victorious, they will have to play complementary football and Quinn Ewers will, once again, have to prove his worth under the bright lights. However, limiting the damage from Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and his trio of elite receivers will also be an essential ingredient to Monday’s Sugar Bowl matchup. Thankfully for Longhorns fans, this team has found a way to peak at the right time. But, will Monday’s playoff matchup yield more of the same?
Score Prediction: Texas 30, Washington 27
Dylan DeRaud (11-2)
The Alamo bowl rematch is going to be a good one. Both teams have their own strengths and weaknesses that separate themselves from the other semifinal teams. Texas can play with anybody offensively and their #3 run defense is well positioned to make Washington one dimensional on offense. However, on the other side of the ball, Washington’s #1 passing offense is going up against a Longhorns secondary that ranks 93rd nationally against the pass.
The keys to victory for Texas will be to control the time of possession and force Penix to rush his throws. If he has time in the pocket, the Longhorns will be in for a long game. Nonetheless, I have Washington winning this game. Dillon Johnson is a underrated running back who will be able to pick up important yards on the ground and Penix with the Husky’s deadly receiving corps will be able to score enough to compensate for a underperforming Washington defense.
Score Prediction: Washington 35, Texas 31
Mitch Lovell (11-2)
This will be a tightly contested back and forth game where the Longhorns pull away in the 4th quarter. Washington can score in bunches but Texas can too. Many people have pointed out Texas and their secondary struggles but Washington ranks 120 in the country in pass defense. Texas WR AD Mitchell has scored in all 4 CFP games he’s played in with Georgia. Mitchell had 2 TD vs Alabama in week 3 as well, look for a big game for AD Mitchell.
Score Prediction: Texas 38, Washington 24