Ja'Lynn Polk tip-drill TD catch gives Washington lead over Texas late in first half
Ja’Lynn Polk had some good fortune on his side when his 29-yard touchdown catch gave Washington a 21-14 lead over Texas with less than 90 seconds remaining in the first half of the Sugar Bowl.
Polk was under pressure from Texas defensive back Malik Muhammad on his way to the end zone as Michael Penix Jr. threw his way. Muhammad disrupted the pass, but Polk ultimately tipped it to himself and took it in for the score.
Here’s a look at the play that gave the Huskies the lead:
Ja’Lynn Polk making plays 🔥
via @espn pic.twitter.com/w82mRRp0Iy
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) January 2, 2024
It was a big first half for Polk, who earlier hauled in a 77-yard catch — the second-longest in a College Football Playoff game — to set up Washington’s first touchdown. His two grabs went for a total of 106 yards. As for Penix, he was his usual explosive self, going 11-for-14 for 255 yards.
Texas was able to get a score across the board before halftime to tie the game at 21-21, but UW gets the ball to start the second half.
The winner advances to the CFP National Championship against Michigan next Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston.