The 90th Sugar Bowl on January 1st, 2024, was an exciting showcase of college football, featuring the Washington Huskies from the Pac-12, ranked second, and the Texas Longhorns from the Big 12, ranked third.
Hosted at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, the game was energized by the passionate fan bases of both the Huskies and Longhorns.
The Huskies, Pac-12’s undefeated champions, boasted a spotless regular season, highlighted by a close 36-33 win over Oregon in Week 6. Their impeccable conference performance led to a second face-off with Oregon in the 2023 Pac-12 Championship.
Conversely, the Longhorns, with only one loss and Big 12 champions, also had a commendable season. This matchup was a repeat of the 2022 Alamo Bowl, where the Huskies emerged victorious over the Longhorns with a 27-20 score.
Kicking off at 7:45 p.m. CST and broadcast on ESPN, the first half was a tight contest, ending with both teams tied at 21 points. The Huskies gained a lead in the third quarter, adding 10 points while the Longhorns remained scoreless.
In the final quarter, despite the Longhorns’ vigorous comeback attempt, the Huskies maintained their lead, finishing with a 37-31 win. The game’s MVPs were Huskies’ quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and defensive end Bralen Trice.
This victory propelled the Huskies to the College Football Playoff Championship to compete against the Rose Bowl champions, the Michigan Wolverines. This Sugar Bowl marked the end of the current four-team College Football Playoff format, with an expansion to a 12-team playoff set for the 2024 season.
The 2024 Sugar Bowl was more than a match; it was a celebration of college football’s spirit, highlighting the skills, perseverance, and enthusiasm of young athletes. As college football evolves, the excitement and memories of this gripping game will continue to inspire football enthusiasts everywhere.
