Washington football: 3 thoughts from Alamo Bowl win over Texas

1. Both teams have high hopes for 2023

While the Alamo Bowl is one of the best non-NY6 bowls, both teams are looking for more in 2023.

Texas will be hoping for their first Big 12 Championship since 2009, in what is likely their final season in the Big 12. They will have a brutal schedule, traveling to both Alabama and TCU in 2023. If they don’t win 10 games, Sarkisian could start to feel the heat.

The Huskies look like a team that could make a legitimate run to the college football playoff, let alone a Pac-12 Championship. Surprising to many that thought he’d be a day two pick in the NFL draft, Penix’s return is massive for UW, but what isn’t being talked about enough is how many other great players on this team, including potentially their top three returning wide receivers. This offense will be looking to break records in 2023 and should have Washington ranked in the top 10 to start the season.

Penix and Huskies will be one of a handful of Pac-12 teams loaded with star quarterbacks and playoff hopes. Penix and Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams lead a crop of quarterbacks and teams such as USC, Oregon, Utah, Oregon State, and Colorado that have high expectations in 2023.

If Washington can win the Pac-12, they’re likely going back to the CFP. Even with one or two losses, I would expect the Huskies to easily make a New Year’s Six bowl.