On Montlake

On Montlake

Share this post

On Montlake
On Montlake
Thoughts before the Sugar Bowl, and a prediction

Thoughts before the Sugar Bowl, and a prediction

What I'm thinking about as Washington prepares for its CFP semifinal against Texas.

Christian Caple's avatar
Christian Caple
Dec 31, 2023
∙ Paid
90

Share this post

On Montlake
On Montlake
Thoughts before the Sugar Bowl, and a prediction
18
1
Share
Cam Davis interviews teammate Michael Penix Jr. at Sugar Bowl media day. (Photo by Christian Caple/On Montlake)

NEW ORLEANS — It’s finally (almost) here.

After a month of waiting and talking and prognosticating, the No. 2 Washington Huskies and No. 3 Texas Longhorns will settle their College Football Playoff semifinal tomorrow night (5:45 p.m. PT, ESPN) in the Sugar Bowl.

The Pac-12 championship game feels like eons ago, doesn’t it? My prevailing thought since arriving here on Wednesday is that by the time these New Year’s Day games kickoff, there isn’t a whole lot left to say. We’ve spoken with UW players and coaches in Seattle and in New Orleans. We’ve heard them asked about big-picture matters like program-building, and answer matchup-specific questions about blocking T’Vondre Sweat. Players rode a boat and held an alligator and practiced under the bright lights at the Superdome. 

I think both teams are ready to finally go play.

With a little more than 24 hours until kickoff, here are some final pre-game thoughts and my prediction — plus a prediction from Say Who, Say Pod co-host Danny O’Neil.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Christian Caple
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share