They’re not quite there yet, but #20 Texas looks like they are on the way back to elite program status after missing out on the postseason in 2021 following a 5-7 record. The Longhorns will try to defend the Alamo Dome in their home-state but it’s not going to be easy with #12 Washington (10-2) and the nation’s top passing attack trying to invade on Thursday night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the problems with a successful season is that the players that made it possible often have to think about their futures instead of playing in a bowl. That’s the case in this game – for Texas at least – as the nation’s all-purpose yardage leader Bijan Robinson is wisely opting out to prepare for the NFL but so is his backup Roschon Johnson and star LB DeMarvion Overshown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Washington on the other hand has no opt-outs and only three minimal snap players headed to the transfer portal. That means a team that won six straight down the stretch – and scored 105 total points their last two games of the regular season – is going to be at full strength. The Huskies are not just playing on Thursday, they’re excited to be here especially QB Michael Penix, Jr.<\/strong> (4,354 yards, 29 TDS, 7 INTs) who has announced he’s returning next season and never played in a bowl in his previous four years at Indiana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n