SAN ANTONIO, TX — The University of Texas Longhorns (8-5) faced off against the Washington Huskies (11-2) in the Alamo Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 29, in San Antonio at 8 p.m. Washington shut down the Longhorns on offense through three quarters and overwhelmed a tired defense in the second half. The Longhorns fell to the Huskies 27-20.
Texas had their work cut out for them on Thursday as they faced one of the NCAA’s most prolific passers in Michael Penix Jr. Penix led the FBS in passing for the 2022 season with 4,354 yards with 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Initially, the Longhorns bottled him up. They even intercepted the Huskies on the game’s opening drive.
However, Washington’s high-octane offense gained more ground as the game progressed. After the two teams traded field goals, the Huskies took a 10-3 lead when Penix Jr. led a 10-play, 88-yard drive that ended when RB Wayne Taulapapa broke through the Texas defense for a 42-yard touchdown. The Huskies led with 3:10 remaining in the 1st quarter, 10-3.
Neither team threatened the end zone during the 2nd quarter until Texas had to make a stand with less than ten seconds to go in the half. Penix dropped back to pass on 3rd and goal but missed his receiver. Washington added a field goal as time expired, and the Longhorns went back to the locker room down 13-3.
Texas finally received the kickoff after halftime and finally got their offense going. QB Quinn Ewers connected with RB Jonathan Brooks on a short pass that Brooks turned into a 37-yard touchdown.
Washington immediately answered on a 13-play, 75-yard drive that Penix Jr. capped off with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Taj Davis. After the Huskies forced the Longhorns to punt, Washington scored again. They went on an arduous 14-play, 90-yard drive that took over seven minutes off the clock. Jalen McMillan caught an 8-yard touchdown from Penix Jr. to extend the lead 27-10.
With the game almost out of reach, Texas never gave up. Ewers led the Longhorns 74 yards down the field in 11 plays to get back within ten points. RB Jonathan Brooks punched the ball into the end zone from three yards out for the touchdown. With 9:50 remaining in the 4th quarter Texas trailed 27-17.
Texas added another field goal with less than two minutes to play. They had to attempt an onside kick for a chance to tie the game, but the Huskies recovered. The Longhorns forced a punt with 31 seconds to play, but Ewers got sacked on 2nd down, which ended their chances at victory. Faced with a 4th and 16 with 91 yards in front of them, Ewers heaved up a prayer, but the play came to nothing. Texas lost to Washington 27-20.
Micael Penix Jr. earned player of the game honors with 32/54 passing, 287 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Penix Jr. also claimed Washington's all-time single-season passing title during the Alamo Bowl.
Quinn Ewers went 31/47 with 369 yards and one touchdown.
Injuries riddled the Longhorns at the quarterback position in their 2022 campaign. The lack of consistency at quarterback caused the ‘Horns to have another disappointing season. If the Longhorns can keep this current roster healthy, with their incoming freshman class, Texas will threaten Big 12 supremacy again next year.
Washington Huskies
(Credit: @uwathletics/twitter.com)
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