Longhorns after Sugar Bowl loss to Washington: 'Thank you Longhorn Nation for your support this season'

The College Football Playoff (CFP) advances to the College Football Playoff National Championship at NRG Stadium in Houston. This follows the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns' 31-37 loss to the University of Washington (UW) Huskies and the University of Michigan (UM) Wolverines' 27-20 overtime victory over the University of Alabama. 

On January 8, Michigan and Washington will compete for the title currently held by the University of Georgia (UGA). Despite their recent defeat, the Longhorns remain proud of their performance in 2023.

"Thank you Longhorn Nation for your support this season," was a statement tweeted by the program on January 1," - Unknown, Unknown at University of Texas at Austin.

The 2024 Sugar Bowl was dominated by Michael Penix, Washington's field general and Heisman Award finalist. According to ESPN, Penix's performance included a remarkable 430-passing yard evening, ranking as the fourth-best passing game in CFP history. In addition, UW's defense thwarted UT's comeback attempt in the game's final moments, denying them a place in the national championship.

According to KXAN News, an Austin NBC station, Quin Ewers, Longhorns quarterback, threw for 318 yards and scored a touchdown but failed to secure a go-ahead touchdown pass in the contest’s final moments. Ewers stated his pride in how they approached each week and expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to play.

The match was viewed by the Longhorns as an opportunity not only for redemption for their program but also for head coach Steve Sarkisian. Prior to coaching at Texas, Sarkisian coached UW and experienced defeat in their 2022 matchup.