The University of Washington scored a touchdown on their opening possession and never trailed in the 2024 Sugar Bowl. They beat the Texas Longhorns 37-31 to secure a spot in the National Championship game against the Michigan Wolverines.
Although the Longhorns were favored by 3.5 points going into the game, the Huskies looked like the better team for most of the night. Heisman Trophy Runner-Up Michael Penix Jr. went 29 for 38 passing for 430 yards and two touchdowns. His 430 yards passing yards was the third-highest total in Sugar Bowl history.
The key to the Huskies success was the outstanding play of the offensive line and a healthy receiving corps. The Joe Moore Award winning crew kept Penix didn’t allow a sack against the formidable Texas defensive line. The Huskies receivers sophomore Ja’Lynn Polk, and juniors Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze were able to get separation and exploit a Longhorns secondary that ranked 93rd in the country.
As for the defense, they were the same bend but don’t break unit they’ve been for most of the season. They allowed Texas to claw back into the game by giving up 10 forth quarter points. But with the game on the line and an appearance in the championship game at stake, sophomore cornerback Elijah Jackson made a game saving deflection of a pass intended for Longhorns receiver Adoni Mitchell to seal the victory.
The 13-0 Washington Huskies will match up against the 13-0 Michigan Wolverines and will again enter the contest as 4.5 point underdogs. The key to victory will be stopping the Michigan running game if they want to continue to prove their doubters and detractors wrong.
When the Wolverines are forced into passing situations, their offensive efficiency decreases dramatically. The Huskies have shown the ability to score points against elite defenses, and the National Championship game shouldn’t be any different. The rest of the country (outside of the Pacific Northwest) may consider this an upset, but I predict the Washington Huskies will defeat the Michigan Wolverines 33-29. It should be a good one!
By Cleavon Steele
