Joel Klatt shares first thoughts on Texas vs. Washington matchup
The Sugar Bowl matchup between No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas should be a top-notch, high-scoring affair in New Orleans. However, one aspect of the game, even with it over three weeks out, already has Joel Klatt leaning with one side in the second of the two playoff semifinals.
Klatt analyzed the two matchups in the College Football Playoff during his show on Monday. His first reaction was that the Huskies are going to have an edge because of their passing attack getting a shot at the Longhorns’ secondary.
“I immediately thought to myself, ‘That’s a bad matchup for Texas’. Why? They’re 95th in the country in pass defense,” said Klatt. “The one weakness of this team? I would say, overall, that they’re pretty balanced and pretty good. But their one weakness is defending the pass.”
“They’re going to go and defend the best passing game in the country with (Jalen) McMillan back. What Kalen DeBoer does with that passing game? Michael Penix is outstanding. Penix is an amazing passer of the football. That’s where you have to beat Texas,” Klatt said. “So, to me, I immediately give an advantage to Washington.”
Texas posted a Top-15 defense that allowed just 17.5 points and an average of 321.7 yards per game this season. With that said, the pass numbers are far worse than what they’ve given up in the run.
On the ground, the Longhorns are giving up just 80.8 yards a contest for 2.9 yards per carry. Through the air, though, they’re letting opponents pass for an average 240.8 yards.
For reference, Washington, a Top-15 offense in the country, passes for 343.8 yards per game and scores nearly three passing touchdowns on average. That’s behind Penix Jr. at quarterback, a Heisman finalist who has thrown for 4,200 passing yards and 33 scores. It also features two receivers, Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk, who each have over 60 receptions and 1,000-plus yards while they’ve combined for 21 touchdowns.
In his opinion, Klatt says Washington was the worst potential pairing for Texas. The styles of the Wolverines and Crimson Tide would have made them more favorable matchups for the Longhorns compared to how often the Huskies are going to air it out.
“I think Texas would have rather seen Michigan or Alabama,” said Klatt. “Again, this is the one area where they’re really weak – defending the pass. Now, they’re going to have to defend the passing game in the country.”