Arr, Washington be keepin' Texas at bay in a rousin' half, movin' forward to the CFP National Championship!
2024-01-01
Arrr, ye scurvy dogs! The Washington Huskies did plunder the Texas Longhorns, in a score of 37-31, and secured their place in the CFP National Championship on Jan. 8. Sailin' towards the treasure, they be!
The Pac-12 conference, which has faced disintegration due to conference realignment, will go out with a bang as the Washington Huskies secure a spot in the national championship game against Michigan. The Huskies emerged victorious after defeating the Texas Longhorns 37-31 on Monday night. Despite a valiant effort from the Longhorns, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, Washington managed to pull away thanks to Michael Penix Jr.'s dominant performance in the second half. Penix, a Heisman Trophy finalist, finished with 430 passing yards and two touchdowns.Both teams exchanged touchdowns in the first half, leading to a tied score of 21 in the third quarter. Washington then took the lead with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Penix to Jalen McMillan, followed by successful field goal attempts by Grady Gross. Texas fought their way back, narrowing the deficit to six points. However, a series of penalties by Washington allowed the Longhorns to come within reach of the endzone. Despite their efforts, the Huskies held on and advanced to the national championship game.
This victory comes as the Pac-12 conference undergoes significant changes, with 10 schools leaving for other Power Five conferences. Washington will be joining Michigan in the Big Ten conference next year. But before that, the Huskies will face the undefeated Wolverines in the CFP National Championship in Houston, Texas on January 8th. Michigan secured their spot in the championship by outlasting Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
In Michigan's victory, senior running back Blake Courm ran for his 56th career touchdown, solidifying their place in the championship and becoming the program's all-time rushing touchdown leader. The Pac-12's last national championship was in 2004, and Washington hopes to claim their first title since 1991. As the Pac-12 bids farewell to its current look, this exciting matchup between Washington and Michigan promises to be a thrilling conclusion for the conference.