Longhorns' 4th Quarter Comeback Falls Flat in Final Seconds

Washington and Texas traded scores for much of the game and went into the half, tied at 21-21. Washington blazed forward in the 2nd half thanks to Michael Terrance Penix Jr.'s accurate deep passes. Texas couldn't get out of their own way for much of the contest, as they had several turnovers and penalties on offense. Despite the poor showing in the 3rd quarter, Quinn Ewers led his team back in the 4th. Texas began the comeback on a 1-yard fade route to Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell leaped over the cornerback to put Texas within six points, 34-28.

Washington responded with a field goal to seemingly put the game out of reach 37-28. However, Texas drove down the field and kicked a field goal with less than two minutes remaining. After the failed onside kick, all hope seemed lost for the Longhorns. Good defense and two timeouts gave Texas the ball back with 41 seconds left on the clock. Ewers immediately hooked up with Jordan Whittington for a 41 gain, and the comeback seemed possible.

Texas continued to drive until they reached Washington's 12-yard line with 15 seconds left in the contest. Quinn Ewers had four cracks at the end zone, but unfortunately for the Longhorns, no one managed to get open enough for the score. The game came down to a 4th down attempt with one second left in the ball game. Ewers tossed a jump ball up in the end zone for Mitchell, but Washington made an excellent defensive play to seal the game for the Huskies 37-31.

Washington advances to the National Championship game against Michigan next Monday, January 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.