NEW ORLEANS — The Sugar Bowl was a little more than 24 hours away, and sixth-year Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. called a players-only meeting as their moment drew near.
He walked to the front of the room on two surgically repaired knees along with edge rusher Edefuan Ulofoshio and delivered a message. The new year was five hours away. Bourbon Street was a short walk away. Families flooded into town. Texas fans, much to Washington’s chagrin, were all over the Huskies’ team hotel, too.
This was their time to lock in and focus.