ESPN analyst predicts outcome of CFP semifinal matchup between Washington, Texas
ESPN analyst Adam Rittenberg published score predictions for every bowl game on Friday morning.
Even though No. 2 Washington is an underdog going into its College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with No. 3 Texas, Rittenberg is rolling with the Huskies in the Sugar Bowl. He predicted a 37-33 UW victory. Here’s what he wrote about the game:
Who would have thought the 2022 Alamo Bowl was a preview of a CFP semifinal the following year? Washington won that night in San Antonio and hasn’t lost since, a remarkable streak of 20 consecutive games under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer. Both teams had some tense moments in late October and early November, but pushed through to capture league titles. The matchup favors Washington, a pass-centric team that can attack an iffy Texas secondary with Rome Odunze and arguably the nation’s best receiving corps, plus a quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. who should be even healthier for the game.
Texas’ defensive line is capable of controlling the game, but Washington doesn’t put a huge emphasis on between-the-tackles rushing. It’s hard to go against Penix Jr. and DeBoer, who simply don’t lose big games (9-0 against AP Top 25 opponents at Washington).
Washington is 13-0 on the season. It beat Oregon 34-31 in the Pac-12 Championship Game to set a new program record for wins in a single season. That victory secured the Huskies a spot in the CFP, making them the first Pac-12 team to go to the Playoff since 2016.
The matchup will pit former UW coach Steve Sarkisian against DeBoer, who has quickly solidified himself as one of the very best in the sport. All DeBoer did before landing in Seattle was win. All he’s done since is win. The Huskies have won 20 consecutive games going into the Playoff semifinal — the longest active win streak in the FBS.
The Sugar Bowl kicks off at 5:45 p.m. PT on Jan. 1.