The Washington Huskies were able to beat the Texas Longhorns 27-20 in the 2022 Alamo Bowl. As expected, it was difficult for the Longhorns to overcome the loss of both star running backs to opt-outs. Without a solid running back option, Texas couldn’t convert on third-and-short most of the night. Leaving missed opportunities on the field. The Huskies took advantage and came out of the Alamo Bowl with a win.
Washington Beats Texas in the 2022 Alamo Bowl
We outlined the Washington passing attack when we previewed this game. However, we also said not to count out the Huskies’ run game. It was the running backs that ultimately won this one for Washington. Wayne Taulapapa rushed for 108 yards on 14 carries and rushed for one touchdown. Due to the run-game working, the Huskies were able to win the time of possession battle. Washington held the ball for over 35 minutes, while Texas only had possession for a little over 24 minutes. This makes sense when looking at the amount of rushing yards Texas had throughout the game.
The Husky defense shut down any hope that Texas had about running the ball in the 2022 Alamo Bowl. Backup running back Jonathon Brooks had one touchdown, but only 18 yards on six carries. The Longhorns tried to use Keilan Robinson as well, but he only had eight carries for 27 yards. Overall, Texas only rushed for 51 yards. Not a good statistic. Especially looking at Washington’s 158 rushing yards on the other side.
The Quarterbacks
There was a lot of talk about both quarterbacks coming into this contest. Washington signal caller Michael Penix Jr. led the Huskies to a nation-leading passing offense in 2022. He did not disappoint in the 2022 Alamo Bowl. Penix Jr. threw for 287 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He spread the ball around as well, utilizing eight different receivers. Jalen McMillan was the leader with eight receptions for 58 yards and one touchdown. Taj Davis accounted for Penix Jr.’s other touchdown in the contest. The Husky quarterback picked up right where he left off in the regular season and picked up momentum heading into next season.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers did everything that he could in this one. Without a run game and balance in the offense, it is often difficult to win a big game like this. The Washington defense held the struggling Longhorn rushing attack in check all day, making Ewers beat them with his arm. And he almost did it. Ewers threw for 396 yards and one touchdown in the loss. He also utilized eight different receivers, but his favorite targets were Xavier Worthy and Casey Cain. However, neither caught the touchdown reception. Worthy caught a Longhorn-leading seven passes for 84 yards. Cain caught four passes for 108 yards with a long of 49 yards. Ewers had a very good showing against a good Husky team. The interesting thing to watch for going into 2023 though is the potential quarterback battle in Austin. Arch Manning signed with the Longhorns on early signing day. Likely a different offseason than his opponent awaits.
Closing Thoughts
This game was a much lower-scoring affair than many thought it would be. With these two high-powered offenses, the masses thought we would be in store for another shootout. However, once the Washington defense shut down the rushing attack for Texas it made the Longhorns one-dimensional. Give the Texas defense credit though. It held the Washington Huskies to 27 points and forced them to run the ball. Overall, both teams can leave with positives entering the 2023 season.
