Watch: Michael Penix Jr. throws second TD to give Washington second-half lead
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has had a pretty sweet time so far at the Sugar Bowl. Among his incredible throws Monday night, his latest confection put the Huskies up 28-21 early in the third quarter.
The 2023 Heisman runner-up threw a dart to wide receiver Jalen McMillan for a 19-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the second quarter.
The Huskies then added a field goal following a fumble by Texas running back C.J. Baxter to give themselves a 31-21 lead. Penix Jr. had an incredible completion to tight end Jack Westover between a pair of Longhorns defenders on the drive.
After three quarters, Penix Jr. is 23-of-27 for 372 yards (13.8 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns.
He was as sharp as he's been all season in the first half, including on this 77-yarder to wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk in the first quarter.
Penix Jr. followed that with a deep pass to 2023 Biletnikoff finalist Rome Odunze in the second quarter for 52 yards, then connected with Polk for a 29-yard touchdown on a play that showcased his exceptional pocket awareness late in the first half.
Per ESPN Bet, the Longhorns entered as a 3.5-point favorite, which left the Huskies incredulous.
"I want to go out there and smack them," said edge rusher Bralen Trice on Friday. With Penix Jr. slinging the football around the Superdome, Washington might soon deliver a knockout punch.
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