Michael Penix praises surrounding cast, Washington belief for Sugar Bowl win

Washington knocked off Texas 37-31 to advance to the College Football Playoff national championship game, powered by outstanding quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Michael Penix Jr.

It was a close contest, coming down to the final play of the game, but the Huskies prevailed in the end.

Penix did his part, spectacular throughout the night. But he was relegated to the sideline for the final series of the game, with the Texas offense searching for a potential dagger from inside the red zone as the clock ticked away.

Penix never had a doubt.

“Just continuing to believe, man. Obviously it wasn’t pretty,” Michael Penix said after the game. “The defense, they hold themselves to a high standard and they hold themselves accountable in every situation. So they wouldn’t have wanted it to be that close, but as a whole team on the sideline just everybody believing, everybody just trusting that they were going to come up with that big stop. They’ve done it all throughout the year, so it was great, man. It was amazing.”

Penix was named the game’s MVP after going 29-of-38 passing for 430 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 31 yards.

His pinpoint passing was something to behold, and Washington maintained control for the better part of the game. That was something the Huskies expected thanks to all the work they’d put in.

“Just because our bond, man, the love that we have for one another,” Michael Penix said. “Just everything we’ve been through. All the offseason stuff that we’ve been through. We just find ways to overcome and always battle to find a way to win, and that’s what it was about today. We just played a great team, and finding a way to win, that’s what we’ve been doing all year. This a great one, though.”

That he’s had such a year is a huge testament to Penix’s pure talent. But he’s also had the benefit of a coaching staff that has trusted him and empowered him.

Penix spoke to that fact after the game.

“I would just say coach (Ryan) Grubb,” said Penix, handing out some credit. “Just him making sure my preparation was on point, just each and every day throughout practice as well. Being out here in New Orleans for the whole Sugar Bowl, it’s been a blessing. But you could get distracted a little bit just being here for quite a few days. But just seeing the team lock in, when it was time to work they came to work, and that’s what led to this win.”

Penix has had quite the journey, from an up-and-down starter at Indiana to a Heisman Trophy finalist at Washington. Through it all, one thing was important to him above all else.

“First of all I’m going to say I’m not no quitter,” Michael Penix said. “I wouldn’t say I was going to quit. It did get hard for me at times but I had to lean on the ones that I love the most, but it means a lot to be here. I’m super blessed, and I’ve got to thank the man above. I’ve got to thank God for everything he’s put me through to get to this point. It’s been a blessing and I’ve been enjoying the journey.”