It’s been nearly 20 years since the two teams have faced off on the gridiron. But on Saturday, the Texas Longhorns and Michigan Wolverines will face off at The Big House in Ann Arbor, MI at 11 am CT on FOX.
And while Saturday, promises to be a doozy, their previous matchup was one for the record books.
College football isn’t that kind. Neither are coaches offering scholarships to transfers hoping to start next fall.
Murphy, who spent two seasons with the Texas Longhorns, confirmed Thursday evening he has entered the transfer portal and will not be available for the Jan. 1 College Football Playoff semifinal against No. 2 Washington. Based on the 30-day transfer portal window closed after the national championship, timing told the main story.
Everything starts and ends with Penix. Everyone in Austin knows it, too.
The Huskies are a proven threat to win it all down at NRG Stadium on Jan. 8. They silenced the critics after being nearly a double-digit underdog in the rematch against Oregon in the Pac-12 title game and won by three.
The formula that worked in Las Vegas might not suffice at the Superdome down off Sugar Bowl Dr. outside the French Quarter. Washington trusted running back Dillion Johnson to pave the way with his legs. Texas is holding opponents to under 90 rushing yards an outing.
If Kalen DeBoer can win on the ground, he’ll win through the air, an area of expertise in the Pacific Northwest this season. Washington averaged 343.8 yards per game and 9.2 yards per pass attempt, ranking inside the top 10 among FBS schools.
Weaknesses are hard to pinpoint these days in Austin after the No. 3 Longhorns (12-1) ran through the competition en route to their first Big 12 title since 2009, but there are a few. The biggest? Pass defense, which ranks 96th nationally and 10th in the Big 12.
Steve Sarkisian would never admit it, but a rematch against Alabama would bode well in their favor. A run-orientated offense like Michigan plays right into their hands.
But Washington? There are reasons for optimism, but also concern, especially if Penix starts to gain momentum and become one with his pass-catcher with each potential completion.
Longhorn fans don’t have to look far to see how lethal the Huskies’ passing attack can be when in a rhythm. Last season’s Alamo Bowl can attest to that. Penix looked poised in San Antonio, connecting with receivers for modest gains and multiple touchdowns.
Penix finished the night 32 of 54 passing for 287 yards and two scores on the way to a 27-20 victory. Since then, he’s transformed into one of college football’s top deep ball passers that needs a few seconds and a receiver downfield to change the course of a game.
This season, Penix has thrown for over 300 yards nine times. He’s hit the 400-yard marker thrice, though those were against Boise State, Tulsa, and Michigan State, all of whom struggled to defend the pass.
