Michael Penix Jr. has no shortage of dramatic moments.
Washington’s second drive of the first half produced a 21-7 lead on Washington’s 77-yard connection between DeBoer and Polk that propelled them past Texas, who stopped Washington deep within UW territory, despite four fourth-and-1 attempts from Texas defenders deep within Washington territory. DeBoer persisted and converted on his call.
What Happened?
Michael Penix Jr. delivered a victory that brought Washington’s extraordinary turnaround story into national prominence and marked Pac-12 basketball’s return to national championship game since 2004.
Penix led his Huskies team with just one drive in the Sugar Bowl to seize control.
Kalen DeBoer put his trust in young quarterback Alex Penix early in the second half and allowed him to attack Texas’ formidable defensive line with six pass calls on their first drive of the second half. Penix delivered spectacular results: throwing an accurate strike behind cornerback Terrance Brooks for 77 yards before Dillon Johnson charged in for an end zone touchdown on another play.
Ja’Lynn Polk’s 29-yard touchdown catch
Penix quickly made his presence felt in the first half. On Washington’s opening drive, on its third play he lofted a looper that Ja’Lynn Polk caught behind Terrence Brooks at cornerback; she quickly cut around him to outwit Jerrin Thompson tacklers before nearly scoring before she was brought down at 2-yard line.
After Texas went two and out, Kalen DeBoer went for it on fourth down deep into Washington territory on fourth and 1, opting to go for it on fourth down instead of giving up and was rewarded when Dillon Johnson broke through for a 1-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 21-21.
Grady Gross’s third field goal of the game
Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk and Rome Odunze scored long touchdowns to put Washington one step away from a national title matchup with Michigan, and that drive came thanks to Grady Gross – their kicker who had become an unlikely stand-out before coach Kalen DeBoer placed him on scholarship this season.
Prior to departing for New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, Gross spent his days delivering Amazon items in Seattle as an Amazon delivery guy – board games, speakers and waffle makers among them. Furthermore, he converted all three field goal attempts in fourth quarter action for Washington!
Michael Penix jr 19-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan
Penix took advantage of Texas defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat’s and Jordan Murphy’s expertise by finding advantageous matchups throughout the game, connecting with Ja’Lynn Polk for a 77-yard strike on his very first try and using his quick release to find playmakers on the outside.
Gross was also adept at shifting his feet under pressure and did so successfully on a 3rd-and-2, finding Rome Odunze for 32 yards down the sideline and setting up Gross’ third field goal of the day — a 27-yarder.
Washington took an 11-7 lead into the fourth quarter. Washington then found its answer in Penix who produced one of the greatest 60-minute performances ever seen from an Huskie.
Johnson’s second touchdown of the game
Gross kicked two field goals to put the Huskies ahead in the fourth quarter, then Penix unleashed six pass plays on an ensuing drive for them – including a 77-yard bomb to Ja’Lynn Polk and 19-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan – during which time Jalen McMillan scored.
Penix, who finished second in Heisman Trophy voting and cemented himself into UW history by beating Texas’ Quinn Ewers, became an iconic player two years after arriving. The Sugar Bowl lived up to its billing as an entertaining contest with plenty of offensive fireworks, momentum swings, and some questionable calls by officials.
The final play
Defense was key in Washington’s win, yet they could not prevent Texas from coming within six points with less than 13 minutes remaining.
Quinn Ewers had an opportunity to get Washington on track again with fourth down at its own 33-yard line, but was hit as he attempted to throw and the ball went loose, ending any chance for comeback.
Kalen DeBoer went for it on fourth and 1, and Dillon Johnson delivered with a quick run that made the score 34-21 and effectively ended the game. Texas got back the ball with 12 minutes left but were unable to capitalize on an advantageous short field situation.
