2Q | Washington 14, Texas 14
2024 sugar bowl
College Football Playoff semifinals
5:45 p.m. | Caesar's Superdome | New Orleans
TV: ESPN | Radio: SportsRadio 93.3-FM KJR
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Preview coverage of UW vs. Texas in the CFP Sugar Bowl
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7:03 p.m
Michael Penix Jr. immediately hits Rome Odunze with a perfect 52-yard bomb
Penix quickly goes to work and finds Rome Odunze, who catches a beautiful 52-yard bomb.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
7:02 p.m
Vorel: UW can't make mistakes like that in the CFP semifinals
The Huskies had all the momentum.
Until Germie Bernard made a monumental mistake.
After the UW defense forced a three-pointer for the second straight game, Bernard — the Huskies' sophomore wide receiver — parried the ensuing punt. The Longhorns capitalized four plays later on a 1-yard touchdown from Byron Murphy II.
Despite a hostile crowd and a formidable opponent, UW could be good enough to beat Texas and advance to the national championship game. But not with momentum-destroying mistakes.
– Mike Vorel
The Texas D-lineman hits a 1-yard TD as the Longhorns make it 14-1
The points game: Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II runs for a 1-yard touchdown as the Longhorns take advantage of Germie Bernard's muffed punt.
The ride: 3 plays, 22 yards, 1:37.
The history: Bernard's mistake returns to haunt the Huskies immediately after a strong defensive stop by the UW defense. We'll see if Bernard can come back and make up for it on offense.
The score: Washington 7, Texas 7. 10:08 left in 2nd quarter.
The highlight:
Washington 14, Texas 14.
Almost halfway to the 61.5 point over/under line.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
Germie Bernard deflects the punt and the Longhorns recover after a Texas three-pointer
First big mistake for UW, Germie Bernard misses a punt. Texas ball at UW 22.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
Texas is now 0 for 4 on third down. The Longhorns go 3-and-out and punt on 4th-and-4.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
The Huskies put together another touchdown drive, with Dillon Johnson scoring his second score
The points game: UW running back Dillon Johnson scored his second touchdown of the game, getting into the end zone from a yard out from the fullback.
The ride: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:26.
The history: The Huskies' third drive was carried primarily by the arm of Michael Penix Jr., but a 17-yard option run by Tybo Rogers proved important in getting UW deep into the red zone. We've also now seen Texas hit with five penalties, compared to UW's zero so far.
The score: Washington 14, Texas 7. 1:08 left in the 2nd quarter.
The highlight:
Left tackle Troy Fautanu made a move from left to right and then Dillon Johnson hit him. Nice little wrinkle there. 14-7 Huskies.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:45 p.m
Vorel: Michael Penix Jr. picks up the Huskies early
Michael Penix Jr. came to play.
In an entertaining first quarter, the Heisman Trophy runner-up collected completions of 77, 29 and 24 yards. The senior quarterback completed 5 of 7 passes for 138 yards while repeatedly breaking through the Texas secondary. And while Washington's running game, special teams and defense have faltered at times, an accurate Penix can cover up other mistakes.
We’ll see if he can continue to lift the Huskies.
– Mike Vorel
6:44 p.m
Rome Odunze breaks UW single-season record
Rome Odunze just broke the UW single-season receiving yards record. He now has 1,455 receiving yards this year, one more than Reggie Williams' record set in 2002 (1,454).
— Husky Football News (@HuskyFBNews) January 2, 2024
End of the first: Washington 7, Texas 7
The Huskies and Longhorns are tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter in the Sugar Bowl.
Michael Penix Jr. connected with Rome Odunze and Germie Bernard on the Huskies' third offensive attack, meaning UW faces a second-and-7 at the Texas 23-yard line to start the second quarter.
6:41 p.m
Rome Odunze shows up. That's a 24-yard catch to the Texas 26.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
6:40 p.m
Michael Penix Jr. connects with Germie Bernard to get the third drive rolling
Penix looked for single coverage and found Germie Bernard for a 29-yard hookup to the 50th.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
6:35 p.m
Two holding penalties force Texas to punt back to UW
The ride: 4 plays, minus 10 yards, 2:51.
The history: After Bralen Trice sacked Quinn Ewers on the first play of Texas' third drive, the Longhorns continued to prop themselves up with two holding penalties.
Next possession: UW starts at its own 20.
Time left: 2:34 in the 1st quarter.
I think they're booing and booing in the Superdome.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:31 p.m
Bralen Trice sacks Texas QB for second straight bowl game
Bralen Trice sacks Quinn Ewers for the second straight bowl game.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:29 p.m
The UW offense finishes with a three-pointer on its second possession
The ride: 3 plays, 6 yards, 1:41.
Next possession: Texas starts at its own 35.
Time left: 5:25 left in the 1st quarter.
It looked like Penix might have both Westover and Jalen McMillan at third. Westover could not be found.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:26 p.m
Vorel: Offenses that overperformed in different ways early in the Sugar Bowl
The attacks are characterized in different ways.
UW's first touchdown came in predictable fashion: quarterback Michael Penix Jr. hit wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk for a 77-yard gain. Junior running back Dillon Johnson was successful on the ensuing play.
Texas, on the other hand, was the more physical team early on – rushing for 60 yards, 8.6 yards per carry and a 5-yard touchdown.
Which strength is superior? And which defense gets a few more stops? We'll see it soon.
– Mike Vorel
Texas responds with a game-winning touchdown
The points game: Texas running back Jaydon Blue rushes for a 5-yard touchdown to tie the game.
The ride: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:50.
The score: Washington 7, Texas 7. 7:06 left in the 1st quarter.
UW’s defensive front was overwhelmed early. The Longhorns rushed for 60 yards, 8.6 YPC and a touchdown. Will be one of those games.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:17 p.m
Texas gains 31 yards on the screen
UW co-DC Chuck Morrell said the screen game will be a big focus tonight. Longhorns get a big shot there.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
The Huskies quickly take a 7-0 lead over Texas
The points game: UW running back Dillon Johnson leaps into the end zone from 2 yards out to get the Huskies on the field early.
The ride: 4 plays, 89 yards, 2:56.
The score: Washington 7, Texas 0. 11:01 left in 1st quarter.
6:10 p.m
Ja'Lynn Polk goes 77 yards on a catch-and-run to the 2-yard line
People may not know it, but Michael Penix Jr. does these things.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:08 p.m
Here comes Michael Penix Jr. and the UW offense…
It's very loud here as UW's offense goes to work.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:07 p.m
The UW Texas defense punts on the first drive of the game
The ride: 5 plays, 11 yards, 0:54.
Next possession: UW starts with its own 11th.
Time left: 2:00 p.m.
Quinn Ewers takes a 4-0 lead in Texas' first series.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
6:04 p.m
Watch: The UW crowd at the Sugar Bowl opener
6:03 p.m
Note: Main broadcast again on ESPN
If you suddenly hear Pat McAfee, switch back to the main broadcast on ESPN!
6:02 p.m
UW allows the 31-yard kick return to start
One of the best coverage units in the country allows a 31-yard return at the start. Not ideal.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
UW wins the throw and shifts, allowing the Texas offense to start with the ball
Washington wins the toss and postpones the throw. UW will go defense first.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
5:54 p.m
Program Note: Sugar Bowl begins on ESPN2
The Allstate #SugarBowl The broadcast begins on ESPN2 and returns to ESPN after the conclusion of the Rose Bowl broadcast.
– Allstate Sugar Bowl (@SugarBowlNola) January 2, 2024
5:46 p.m
No. 1 Michigan outlasts No. 4 Alabama in OT to advance to the CFP title game
UW captured its last national title in 1991 with a victory over Michigan. If the Huskies take care of their business tonight, they'll have the opportunity to do it again.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
Alabama is going down.
No. 1 Michigan wins 27-20 in OT and advances to the CFP national championship game to face No. 2 Washington or No. 3 Texas.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
5:41 p.m
Meanwhile, in the Rose Bowl…overtime!
It all comes down to this 4th and 3 game for Alabama and Michigan.
– Percy Allen (@PercyAllen206) January 2, 2024
5:25 p.m
The Rose Bowl isn't shown on any of the Superdome's video boards, but there are still audible crowd reactions after big performances. Many people watch the game on their phones.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
5:25 p.m
UW sophomore RB Sam Adams II is apparently out with an injury
Not a huge development, but UW sophomore running back Sam Adams II is out tonight due to an apparent injury.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
5:05 p.m
Watch: Mike Vorel watches the Sugar Bowl match in the Superdome press box
4:45 p.m
Huskies will roll with the same uniforms they wore in the Pac-12 championship game
UW's uniforms for the Sugar Bowl: purple jerseys, purple pants, traditional gold helmet. Same as the Pac-12 title game.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 2, 2024
4:44 p.m
Watch: A look at the line from the French Quarter to the tailgates and the Superdome
3:00 p.m
Watch: Early view from the press box at the Superdome
3:00 p.m
Currently on the media shuttle to the Superdome. I can certainly expect there to be a large Texas crowd in the building, but I was really impressed with the UW squad in New Orleans. Lots of purple on the streets, in the restaurants, in the jazz clubs. Husky fans came.
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) January 1, 2024
8:31 p.m., December 31, 2023
UW's Kalen DeBoer and Texas' Steve Sarkisian collide on unlikely paths to the Sugar Bowl
NEW ORLEANS — At 8:30 a.m. Sunday, an unlikely couple entered through the back doors of the grand ballroom as cameras clicked and heads turned and the Superdome waited a mile away. They walked past rows of occupied seats and climbed two steps to the stage – sitting behind three black tables, two helmets and a trophy between them.
The trophy gleamed silver and the same gold as the Huskies' helmet, with a miniature football atop an ornate trophy that grew from the roof of the Superdome.
On its base are four words written in bold gold letters:
SUGAR BOWL CLASSIC CHAMPION
On Monday around 9 p.m., either Kalen DeBoer or Steve Sarkisian will be holding that trophy above his head.
READ MORE >>>
8:30 p.m., December 31, 2023
Analysis: Washington's plan for a Sugar Bowl victory over Texas
What has to happen for Washington to win?
That's the question we've been asking UW's assistant coaches over the past few weeks, racking up points to defeat No. 3 Texas (12-1) in the postseason for the second straight year. And while it's true that games aren't played on paper, we only have paper until Monday at 5:45 p.m.
So…you want a blueprint for a Washington victory in the Sugar Bowl?
Here's a five-step formula.
READ MORE >>>
– Mike Vorel
8:29 p.m., December 31, 2023
Sugar Bowl notes: Dylan Morris' bittersweet farewell, Jabbar Muhammad's family affair and more
NEW ORLEANS – Dylan Morris' farewell tour was admittedly bittersweet.
Morris — UW's 6-foot-1, 197-pound junior quarterback — entered the transfer portal on Dec. 11 looking for a second home for his final college season. He did so after starting in 2020 and 2021 and then sitting behind and supporting transfer sensation Michael Penix Jr. for the past two seasons.
While Washington went 24-2 under Penix and Kalen DeBoer, Morris prioritized patience and collective success over individual goals.
“The reason I've lasted this long through all the ups and downs is because of the loyalty I have to the guys in this program and the love I have for the program,” Morris said Saturday during the Sugar Bowl. UW Media Day. “I have dreamed of playing at UW my whole life. I succeeded. The last two years ultimately didn't go my way, but I feel so much joy for everyone in the locker room and the guys I spend so much time with.”
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– Mike Vorel
8:28 p.m., December 31, 2023
Husky football fans do everything they can to witness history in New Orleans
Whether by air, land or sea, Washington football fans will do anything to get to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, home of one of the most important games in program history.
When the No. 2 Huskies face the No. 3 Texas Longhorns on New Year's Day, the winner will play for the national championship. It's a pretty big deal.
A trip to the Rose Bowl would have been preferable for many, but UW fans aren't letting travel issues stop them. Despite the lack of direct flights from Seattle to New Orleans, expensive hotels and hectic travel logistics, avid Husky fans still come in droves.
READ MORE >>>
– Shane Lantz
8:27 p.m., December 31, 2023
Here's how to watch UW vs. Texas in the Sugar Bowl
It's been more than three weeks since the Huskies last took the field to play for the Pac-12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
The wait for the CFP semifinal game in Washington is (finally) almost over.
Michael Penix Jr. and No. 2 UW (13-0) face No. 3 Texas (12-1) in the Sugar Bowl on Monday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The winner will play for the national championship on Jan. 8 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
The Huskies' CFP semifinals are scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. Seattle time and will be broadcast on ESPN. Local radio listeners can hear the game on KJR 950 AM and 93.3 FM.
– Seattle Times Sports Staff Writer
Seattle Times Sports Staff