This article is part of our College Football Picks series.
College Football Picks: Texas vs. Washington Best Bets
Get in on the college football action for 2023 with ESPN BET promo code ROTO featuring a $250 bonus bet offer! RotoWire has plenty of college football betting tools and info to keep you in the loop this season. From the latest college football odds to college football futures and Heisman odds, we have you covered.
The Washington Huskies and the Texas Longhorns will meet in the Sugar Bowl for the CFP semifinal, which is a direct rematch of the 2022 Alamo Bowl. Washington prevailed in last year's matchup, but this game will take place in a hostile environment in a. Superdome that will be packed with Texas fans. The Huskies are led by Heisman candidate Michael Penix and a high-flying, pass-happy offense. At the same time, Texas' anchor is an imposing run defense with a pastiche of explosive offensive playmakers.
Texas vs. Washington Betting Odds for Sugar Bowl
Spread: Texas -3.5 (BetMGM), Washington +4.0 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Total: Over 62.5 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
Moneyline: Texas -170 (DraftKings Sportsbook), Washington +152 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
Not much has changed in Vegas for this game, as the sites are split between a 3.5 and 4.5 edge for Texas. The total has barely budged, and the ML has behaved identically. you may find bets for -4.0 and 3.5, depending on where you shop.
Jump in on bowl season with a BetMGM bonus code sporting a $1,500 bonus bet offer if you don't win!
Texas vs. Washington Betting Picks for Sugar Bowl
Texas' success will revolve around its ability to contain Dillon Johnson and Washington's rushing attack. The Longhorns possess the most dominant run defense in the country, but they won't be able to crowd the box with Micahel Penix under center. Conversely, Penix may need to abandon the play-action pass and rely more on outside runs and hitches from Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan, as that's where Texas is at its most vulnerable. The quartet of Penix and his three receivers represent one of the most potent pass offenses in the FBS, and far more powerful than Oklahoma's passing game, which bested Texas mid-season. Washington's defense has been a mixed bag, and the key for Quinn Ewers is succeeding on red zone opportunities. The Longhorns rank near the bottom in TD rate while in the red zone. The Huskies have struggled against weaker opponents but gave it to Oregon twice this season, and collectively, they show up for the big games. I wish the Over was a little lower because I would likely hammer it in an effort to avoid calling this game one way or the other. I will ultimately single out Kalen DeBoer as the difference-maker for the Huskies. He'll be able to make in-game adjustments and will outsmart Sarkisian when it counts. The Longhorns seem to be unreasonably confident for this game - I think they are in for a rude awakening.
Texas vs. Washington Expert Pick: Washington +4.0 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Get a piece of the action during the 2023 bowl season with a DraftKings Promo Code for $150 instantly after a $5 bet, plus a no-sweat same-game parlay every day!
Texas vs. Washington Predictions for Sugar Bowl
The Longhorns will play this game without standout RB Jonathan Brooks, so it will fall to CJ Baxter to unlock Quinn Ewers and his passing ability. Look for a direct correlation between Texas' run success and Ewers' completion rate. If they can establish consistent gains on the ground, the Huskies may be forced to outscore Texas instead of containing them. Texas will need to count on an off night for Penix if they cannot fend off Washington's defensive front.
This game could be a close one. I'll take Washington, 31-28.
