Michael Penix Jr. Leads No. 2 Washington to 37–31 Victory Over Texas and Spot in National Title Game

Jalen McMillan (11) of the Washington Huskies celebrates, as Michael Penix Jr. (9) arrives into the end zone, following a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2024. by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS—Michael Penix Jr. passed for 430 yards and two touchdowns, and Washington held off Texas 37–31 in the Sugar Bowl on Monday night to advance to the College Football Playoff championship game, earning both the sixth-year quarterback with two surgically repaired knees and the beleaguered Pac-12 one more game this season.

The second-ranked Huskies (14–0) will face No. 1 Michigan next Monday night in Houston, looking for their first national championship since 1991 and the Pac-12’s first since Southern California in 2004.