Washington fends off Texas in thrilling half, advances to CFP National Championship

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The Pac-12 is going out with a bang.

Months after the storied conference disintegrated due to conference realignment, the Washington Huskies will play for the national championship against Michigan after defeating Texas 37-31 on Monday night. 

Jalen McMillan #11 of the Washington Huskies celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 01, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

The Longhorns’ late rally in the fourth quarter was a valiant effort led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, but Washington was able to pull away behind Michael Penix Jr.'s dominating performance in the second half. 

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The ​​Heisman Trophy finalist finished 29 of 38 for 430 passing yards and two touchdowns.  

Both teams exchanged touchdowns in the first half to start the third quarter tied at 21. Washington then pulled ahead with Penix’s 19-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan and Grady Gross’ two successful field goal attempts of 26 and 40 yards. 

Texas clawed their way back to a six-point deficit. A string of penalties by Washington would get the Ewers within reach of the endzone, but after four attempts, including a batted down ball by cornerback Elijah Jackson, the Huskies move on in search of their first national championship since 1991 and the Pac-12's first since 2004.

Elijah Jackson #25 of the Washington Huskies breaks up a pass to Adonai Mitchell #5 of the Texas Longhorns on the final play of the CFP Semifinal Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on