Tim Tebow breaks down how Washington can combat Texas pass rush

Washington has a few ways to counter the Texas pass rush in the Sugar Bowl, according to Tim Tebow.

The former Heisman Trophy winner sees a few ways in the passing game for the Huskies to get it done. That puts a lack of a running game into account, which is a possibility against an elite Longhorns’ defense.

If Washington pulls this off, it could be a banner day in the College Football Playoff.

“There’s a few ways that you counteract a really good pass rush,” Tebow said on SportsCenter. “It starts with the running game and I don’t think Washington will have a great running game. So what else can you go to? Well, a quick passing game. That’s something so important and that’s something Michael Penix Jr. is so good at getting the ball out of his hands. But also receiver screens and Washington does a great with job shifts and motions and receiver screens from it.”

As Tebow put it, Washington can substitute the lack of a running game with quick passes, such as screens, to get the ball out in space.

“How can you wear down an entire defensive front? Well with motions, with screens and with a quick passing game,” Tebow said. “I expect to see that early and often to slow down this Texas front seven, slow down this front for which there will be a lot of them. 

“And you also have more receivers that are healthy now for Washington to get them involved early in the game. You might not have the running game, but a quick game and receiver screens, that’s just an extended running game.”

A key guy for Washington to stop? Or at least contain? T’Vondre Sweat.

“You got to block him,” Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said. “You got to keep bodies on him all the time. And you have to try to wear him out. He’s a talented, athletic player. I’ve said this before. I think they’ve got great front players, but I’m always amazed with how well the front is coached. 

“I think Texas does a phenomenal job with the technique, and how hard those guys play, but they don’t play the whole game. So I think trying to wear them down a little bit and get our guys to have the right mindset and physical mentality to just keep them moving and try to wear them out.”

Washington takes on Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Sugar Bowl Monday at 8:45 p.m. ET.