What Texas players said following UT's 37-31 loss to Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinals
NEW ORLEANS — The No. 3 Texas Longhorns came into the Allstate Sugar Bowl having played some of its best football over the last few contests. Unfortunately Michael Penix Jr., the 2023 Heisman Trophy runner-up, played even better. His historic night in the College Football Playoff semifinals helped hold off the Longhorns and lead No. 2 Washington to the 2024 CFB Playoff National Championship next week with a 37-31 win.
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Down 13 late in the fourth quarter, Texas (12-2) overcame double-digit penalties, two red zone turnovers, and giving up explosive plays on defense, yet had a final play to tie the game with one second remaining. UT signal-caller Quinn Ewers’ pass to All-Big 12 receiver Adonai Mitchell fell incomplete in the end zone on the game’s last play and the Horns’ season ends in the Superdome on Monday night.
Here’s what the players said following the game.
Quinn Ewers, QB
ON HIS THOUGHT PROCESS DURING THE COMEBACK:
“Going down 13, I think the biggest thing we were talking about is one play at a time. You can’t get all 13 points back in one single play. The small wins turn into big wins. Just trying to get back on track, and I think we did a good job on that.”
ON QUICK REFLECTIONS FROM 2023:
“It’s tough, especially losing a close game like this. Even though you take a step back and you look back at the entire season, I’m proud of the way we attacked each week. For us to have the opportunity to even play here, I know the whole team is beyond grateful for this opportunity we had today.”
Xavier Worthy, WR
ON WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HIS HEAD DURING THE FINAL PLAY OF THE GAME:
“Make a play. Make a play. Make a play.”
Jaylan Ford, LB
ON WHAT HE SAID TO HIS TEAMMATES IN HIS FINAL GAME AT TEXAS:
“I just told them I was proud of them. Like coach was saying, this whole year we sacrificed a lot in order to build this team the way we wanted it. We went all the way up until the last play. I’m proud of my guys for never giving up.”
T’Vondre Sweat, DL
ON WHAT THIS SEASON MEANS AND FOR THE FUTURE:
“I was just grateful for playing for a team like this. I definitely believe in the young guys, they work hard.”
Jahdae Barron, DB
ON WHAT HE’LL REMEMBER THE MOST ON THE FORTY ACRES:
“The brotherhood. it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
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Jordan Whittington, WR
“I gave this university everything I had, every day, for 365 days a year.”
