We’re about three weeks out from the beginning of the College Football Playoff and the semifinal game between Washington and Texas. And 247’s Chris Hummer and Brad Crawford are handing out their predictions.
Breaking down the matchup between the No. 2 and 3 seeds, both colleagues are taking the Longhorns with varying scores.
Writes Hummer:
We saw this game a season ago in the Alamo Bowl. Washington won that day because the Huskies’ O-line dominated the game and Michael Penix Jr. made more plays than Quinn Ewers. But I think the circumstances are a bit different this time around. Both teams are certainly better, but Texas is by far the more balanced team … If there’s a worry for the Longhorns, it’s that Washington can expose their real weakness: A so-so secondary that’s susceptible to talented passing attacks. In a matchup that’s as close as this one, I’m going to lean toward the more talented, balanced team. That’s Texas. As long as Ewers can play clean, the Longhorns head to the national title game. … Texas 35, Washington 34.
Meanwhile, Crawford sees this one being more of a lopsided affair:
In what could very well be a shootout in New Orleans, this one could produce this season’s national champion. At some point, Washington’s string of narrow victories over quality competition has to run out, though. I’m picking Texas to cover and this is one of my most confident selections this bowl cycle. … Texas 34, Washington 24.
Washington and Texas will meet Jan. 1 at 8:45 PM ET at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The Longhorns enter as four-point favorites.