Washington has secured a spot in the College Football Playoff after defeating Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship game. The Huskies took a thrilling 34-31 win and are guaranteed to finish in the top four of the final playoff rankings. Quarterback Michael Penix led Washington with 27 completions for 319 yards and a touchdown, solidifying their position as a deserving playoff team and a dangerous matchup for any team in the semifinals.
As Washington celebrates their victory, Liberty also seized a conference championship win, beating New Mexico State 49-35. However, despite the Flames’ unbeaten record, they face challenges in securing a spot in the New Year’s Six bowl due to a weak schedule and a lack of matchups against Power Five opponents.
Following their victory, Washington now awaits the outcome of the SEC Championship game between Georgia and Alabama and the Big Ten Championship between Michigan and Iowa. Depending on these results, Washington could move up in the final rankings to secure a higher seed and potentially compete in the Rose Bowl as the No. 2 or No. 3 seed.
Quarterback Michael Penix’s performance in the game has also elevated his position in the Heisman Trophy race. Despite losing some ground in November, Penix’s outstanding showing against Oregon has put him back in contention for the prestigious award.
The win against Oregon has also solidified Washington’s standing as a formidable team ready to face off against top contenders in college football, dispelling any doubts about their ability to compete on the national stage. Despite still facing uncertainties about their playoff seeding, it’s evident that Washington has the offensive prowess, quarterback talent, coaching staff, and drive to succeed in the upcoming semifinals and even the championship game, should they advance.
As Washington revels in their success, Liberty faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the New Year’s Six bowl. Despite their conference championship win, Liberty’s weak schedule and absence of Power Five opponents may hinder their chances of securing a coveted spot in the bowl.