The Texas Longhorns’ season ended in a 37-31 loss to the Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl.
Texas could not stop Washington quarterback Michael Penix. The sixth-year senior totaled 430 passing yards and two touchdowns. But even that impressive stat line doesn’t tell the whole story.
Penix carved up the Longhorns’ secondary all night, throwing it wherever and whenever he wanted to. Texas’ biggest question mark coming into the game was how it was going to stop the Huskies quarterback, and it didn’t.
You also cannot win the game if you commit self-inflicted wounds. The Longhorns committed 10 penalties for 66 yards; several were drive-ending for Texas or drive-extending for Washington.
Despite a heartbreaking defeat in the College Football Playoff, it was a successful season for the Texas Longhorns. They finished the season 12-2 and as Big 12 champions. They have an exceptionally bright future in the SEC.
Here are three takeaways from the loss: