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The second College Football Playoff semifinal of the day might lack some of the star power of the Rose Bowl. It might end up being the better game with two of the more explosive offenses facing off.
Washington features the passing of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and three of the better receivers in the country, led by Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk, who both reached 1,000 yards receiving. Should Texas concentrated too much on the pass, the Huskies can turn to Dillon Johnson (1,113 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns). The Longhorns counter with their own quarterback standout in Quinn Ewers with Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell being his two primary receiving options.
Expect a lot of points to be scored and the team that comes up with the critical defensive stops to prevail. Our experts make their picks for which team advances to next week’s title game.
Scooby Axson
The key for Washington to be successful is to at least try to run on Texas, who only allowed five opponents to gain 100 yards on the ground all season. But if that doesn’t work, the Huskies will air it out, as they led the nation in passing yards per game behind Heisman runner-up Michael Penix, Jr. But the Longhorns interior lines on both sides of the ball will be too tough and Quinn Ewers makes enough plays for Texas to advance to their first title game appearance since the 2009 season. Texas 38, Washington 34.
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Jace Evans
Texas is probably better, but I’m tired of banking on Washington’s magical run ending. I bet against Washington too much this year, only to watch the Huskies repeatedly pull out narrow victories – against a pretty stout schedule. There’s value in that. I think they do it one more time. Washington 35, Texas 28.
Paul Myerberg
Texas can shut down Washington’s running game but…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/sugar-bowl-expert-predictions-texas-141145476.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2024-01-01 14:11:45
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