Michael Penix Jr. ignites social media with electric Sugar Bowl performance
Michael Penix Jr. was not quite ready to end his incredible season in the Sugar Bowl.
After producing a second straight electric season for Washington, Penix led the Huskies into the College Football Playoff and a matchup with Texas. Many wondered how Kalen DeBoer’s squad would react, but the offensive line provided great protection for Penix all night long.
As a result, he was able to deliver darts time and time again to his receivers. It started on the very first drive with Penix hooking up with Ja’Lynn Polk for a 77-yard gain. That was just a harbinger of things to come from the Huskies.
Penix would go on to go 29-for-38 passing with 430 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. He added 31 yards on the ground and did not commit a turnover with Rome Odunze and Polk both going for 100+ receiving yards.
Late in the fourth quarter, Texas closed the gap to 34-28 and had time to keep the game interesting. Fortunately, Penix delivered with one final dart, hooking up with Odunze down the sideline to set up a field goal to make it 37-28.
I mean I don’t even know what to say anymore 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Q9inqSDLOd
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) January 2, 2024
The Longhorns would keep things interesting in the final minutes of the 37-31 win, but nothing could stop Penix’s special night. He set fans and media alike ablaze with his performance throughout the evening.
Michael Penix Jr. vs Texas pic.twitter.com/PVKkBy7tfv
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) January 2, 2024
Michael Freaking Penix jr!!!!!!!
Dude showing off everything. How bout them Huskies??????? Magical ride continues! Congrats @UW_Football— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) January 2, 2024
Frozen rope by Michael Penix pic.twitter.com/BKuLTxdccg
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) January 2, 2024
NFL decision-makers who haven’t seen Michael Penix Jr. throw in-person yet will be blown away in Mobile. As good as he looks on TV and tape, it’s different when you’re down on the field with him.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 2, 2024
So Penix was pretty much robbed of a Heisman huh???
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) January 2, 2024
I mean… feels like this is just routine at this point for Michael Penix Jr. & Rome Odunze.#RatedProspect | #PurpleReign
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 2, 2024
Penix is just insane. Like, just throwing into the craziest windows. pic.twitter.com/c8m8RTpKat
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) January 2, 2024
Michael Penix Jr is that dude🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/iY0r2PeXNw
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2024
this is sunday juice from penix. my goodness. pic.twitter.com/oGwaAPCCW7
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) January 2, 2024
East coast/south Heisman voters seeing Michael Penix play for the first time. pic.twitter.com/cG4jiT5VMY
— Joe Fann (@Joe_Fann) January 2, 2024
Michael Penix completed 12 straight passes – 11 to start the second half – and the run ends on a … dropped pass.
29
9
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11
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INC (drop)— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 2, 2024