Huskies to play for national title after Sugar Bowl win

Catch up quick: Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 430 yards in yesterday's semifinal playoff game against the Longhorns, helping the Huskies post a 13-point lead by early in the fourth quarter.

• But the Longhorns fought back, leaving the Huskies six points ahead with little over a minute left.
• Ultimately, Texas couldn't make the final touchdown needed to clinch a win — although they kept the game a nail-biter until the literal final second of play.

Between the lines: The Huskies' offense was aided by Texas' turnovers and penalties, including a fourth-quarter fumble by the Longhorns that ended what looked like a promising Texas drive.

• Penix was named the game's offensive MVP for his passing game, while Washington's Bralen Trice was named the Sugar Bowl's defensive MVP after he forced a pivotal Texas turnover in the third quarter.

What we're watching: If this year's Huskies can beat Michigan on Jan. 8, they'll bring home Washington's first national championship since 1991.

• Because of the NCAA's current head-to-head playoff system, it would be Washington's first national title that isn't shared with another team. (The 1991 championship is also claimed by Miami.)