Jim Nagy shares excitement to see Michael Penix Jr. face Texas defense

Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has met every challenge he’s faced head-on. Director of Reese’s Senior Bowl Jim Nagy is excited to see if Penix can step up again under the brightest spotlight in college football: the College Football Playoff.

“I don’t think Texas‘ secondary gets enough credit. There’s some really good players in that back end too,” Nagy told On3’s Andy Staples. “They got three or four guys that are gonna get drafted and be in a camp at least, so a lot of NFL talent back there.

“It is going to be a good showcase for Michael Penix because you would expect this Texas front to be able to get some push. It’s one thing it’s one thing to avoid some outside pressure and be able to step off and maneuver the pocket. But, it’s a whole different thing when that pressure is coming in your face.”

Pressure hasn’t stopped Penix this season. The sixth-year senior has thrown for a national-best 4,218 yards on a 65.9% completion rate to go with 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His efforts earned him the 2023 Maxwell Award.

Additionally, Penix’s excellent play boosted the Huskies to an undefeated record, a win in the Pac-12 Championship for the first time in five years and a College Football Playoff appearance for the second time ever.

Texas looks to put the squeeze on Michael Penix Jr.

Despite Penix’s overwhelming success, Texas will prevent him with an unprecedented challenge. Texas averages 2.46 sacks per game. For reference, only two Pac-12 teams average more sacks per contest.

If Penix does manage to get off his pass, the ball still isn’t safe. Texas’ secondary is deadly. The Longhorns boast 16 interceptions this season, tied for the eighth-most nationally. Nagy expects Texas to make Penix uncomfortable.

“That’s the goal of any defensive coordinator is to get some gut pressure and get the guy on the move a little bit,” Nagy said. “We’ll see that. As good as Washington’s offensive line — they won the Joe Moore Award, deservedly so — it’s a really good offensive line. They’ve done a great job with that group.

“But, they’re gonna get home off the middle. You can’t hold Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat in check the entire game. I think the NFL folks want to see that [challenge].”

Penix won’t run away from the test. On Jan. 1, Washington and Texas will go head-to-head at 8:45 p.m. ET in the Sugar Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. The winner will advance to the national championship.