Why is Washington playing Texas in the Sugar Bowl? List of players opting out, favorites, and more

The Washington Huskies and the Texas Longhorns can earn a spot in the National Championship Game with a 2024 Sugar Bowl victory.

Washington’s positive transformation under head coach Kalen DeBoer continues. They finished 11-2 with a 7-2 Pac-12 record in DeBoer’s first season. They are gunning for their third national title and first since 1991.

Meanwhile, Steve Sarkisian guided Texas to a 12-1 record, including an 8-1 standing in the Big 12. The Longhorns will play their second consecutive bowl game, keeping the dreams of a fifth national title alive.

Here are more details about the matchup between the Huskies and the Longhorns, including the game schedule, viewing options, betting favorites, and a list of players opting out.

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Why is Washington playing Texas in the Sugar Bowl?

With the Sugar Bowl designated as a College Football Playoff semifinal this season, it earned the right to host two of the top four teams. The Huskies and the Longhorns have stamped their class above the opposition, having a combined 25-1 record.

Washington is ranked the second-best team in the nation after completing a 13-game sweep leading into this game. They have defeated nationally ranked teams Oregon, Oregon State, Utah, and USC before edging the Ducks again in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Meanwhile, Texas’ only loss was a 34-30 decision against Oklahoma. Before that result, they had turned heads by defeating Alabama and securing victories against ranked opponents Kansas and Kansas State.

The Longhorns’ victory over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game cemented their claim as the third-best team this season.

With top-ranked Michigan and No. 4 Alabama competing in the Rose Bowl, Washington and Texas will clash in the other semifinal.

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Who is favored to win Sugar Bowl 2024?

The Texas Longhorns are the favorites to win the 2024 Sugar Bowl over the Washington Huskies. Major sportsbooks have Texas as 4 or 4.5-point favorites over Washington to advance to the National Championship Game.

However, it’s still a one-score spread, meaning the Huskies have what it takes to buck the trend.

Washington defeated Texas in the 2022 Alamo Bowl, 27-20.

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What channel is the Sugar Bowl on?

Date and venue: Jan. 1, 2024 at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Time: 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time

Streaming: ESPN app, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Dish, Fubo, Sling TV, Vidgo, Philo, YouTube TV

Channel: ESPN

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List of players opting out of Sugar Bowl 2024

Washington Huskies

• Vincent Nunley, S (transfer portal)
• James Smith, CB (transfer portal)
• Dylan Morris, QB (transfer portal)

Texas Longhorns

• Jonathon Brooks, RB (injury)
• Maalik Murphy, QB (transferred to Duke)
• X’Avion Brice, CB (transferred to North Texas)
• BJ Allen, CB (transferred to North Texas)
• Casey Cain, WR (transferred to UNLV)
• Larry Turner-Gooden, S (transferred to San Jose State)
• Sawyer Goram-Welch, OL (transfer portal)
• Jalen Catalon, S (transfer portal)
• Isaiah Neyor, WR (transfer portal)
• Kristopher Ross, DL (transfer portal)