NEW ORLEANS: Husky play-calling genius Ryan Grubb believes that the University of Washington has three main offensive goals to fulfil in Monday night’s CFP semifinal game in New Orleans in order to defeat Texas in the Sugar Bowl.
without regard to priority. Dillon Johnson must pack it in for the UW offence, run the ball consistently, prevent quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from being sacked by the Longhorns’ exceptionally skilled defensive front, and—possibly most importantly—get physical with the Texas secondary that runs a bump-and-run offence.
When the postseason game begins, the latter group—rather than Outland Trophy-winning defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat and friends—may be the biggest change for Grubb’s Husky players.
“They seem to be very strong in the back,” the offensive coordinator remarked. “I think that’s something they do really, really well, that can surprise you if you haven’t played football in a while.”
To rough up opposing pass-catchers, the Longhorns rely on nickelback Jahdae Barron, safety Jerrin Thompson and Michael Taaffe, and cornerbacks Ryan Watts and Terrance Brooks.
The others are new first-team members, while Watts and Thompson started the Alamo Bowl game against the Huskies last year. When combined, this team may be superior to the one that allowed two touchdown passes during the UW’s 27–20 triumph in San Antonio. There is some shock value in the first exchange.
“You get out in the back half and they have their hands on you and they hold and grab and press and push a lot,” Grubb stated. All we need to do is adjust to the physical nature of the rear end. Without a doubt, we have a chance to become open if we can overcome the defence.”
This season, Taaffe and Thompson have combined for a team-high three interceptions, and Thompson has led the Longhorns in pass break-ups with seven.
Should Texas falter in any part of its secondary, the safety depth will be somewhat compromised. Since then, senior Jalen Cathlan has accessed the transfer portal, and well-utilized rookie Derek Williams will sit out the remainder of his expulsion for targeting in the Big 12 championship game against Oklahoma State while also missing the first half of the Sugar Bowl.
