2024 Sugar Bowl: Top Plays, Highlights from Texas vs. Washington CFP Semifinal

No. 2 Washington faced off against No. 3 Texas in the Sugar Bowl on Monday with a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on the line.

The Huskies entered the contest with a perfect 13-0 record after defeating No. 8 Oregon in the Pac-12 title game on Dec. 1.

Meanwhile, the 12-1 Longhorns punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff with a resounding 49-21 win over No. 19 Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship game.

Check below for highlights.

Fourth Quarter

The two teams traded field goals, although Texas was able to earn one last possession while trailing by six points with 45 seconds left and no timeouts. The Longhorns were able to drive the ball to the Huskies' 13-yard line, as the game came down to one final play. Cornerback Elijah Jackson broke up a pass from Ewers in the end zone with no time remaining, giving Washington a 37-31 win.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian's offense got back on track after forcing the Huskies to punt following the fumble. Quarterback Quinn Ewers led a 72-yard scoring drive that ended with a tremendous leaping grab by wideout Adonai Mitchell in the end zone. Texas kept the game within one score, trailing 34-28 after the PAT.

After failing to score in the third quarter, Texas trailed 34-21 following a pair of field goals from Huskies kicker Grady Gross. The Longhorns appeared to be gaining some momentum after picking up back-to-back first downs with just under 14 minutes remaining in the game, although a costly fumble from Blue at Washington's 24-yard line gave the ball back to the Huskies.

Third Quarter

On the opening drive of the second half, Penix Jr. picked apart Texas' defense before throwing a 19-yard strike to wide receiver Jalen McMillan for his second touchdown pass of the night.

Second Quarter

Standout quarterback Michael Penix Jr. helped Washington take another lead after the team previously failed to convert on fourth down earlier in the quarter. He fired a 29-yard pass to wide receiver Ja'lynn Polk, who made an incredible catch in the end zone after the ball initially popped up in the air. After a PAT, the Huskies led 21-14.

After Washington took a 14-7 lead and recorded a stop on third down, a muffed punt gave Texas the ball on the Huskies' 22-yard line. The Longhorns drove down to the goal line before defensive lineman Byron Murphy lined up at fullback, punching in a game-tying score. Murphy has now scored two offensive touchdowns this season.

First Quarter

The Longhorns responded on the ensuing possession, driving 75 yards in less than four minutes of game time before running back Jaydon Blue scored a touchdown on a five-yard carry.

The Huskies' high-powered offense got off to a strong start after forcing Texas to punt on its first possession of the game, as junior running back Dillon Johnson rumbled into the end zone on a two-yard score.