It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort Columbia gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Washington, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah”
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“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn &”
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“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
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“MUST READ!! This is the best company to hire for your loved ones who need ongoing caregiver and companion services. Very thoughtful and experienced caregivers and admin staff who care deeply about the details and about customer satisfaction. Brent and Lea have been incredibly supportive and flexible, and caregivers Aarylyn, Sabrina, Lydia, and Hailie have been accommodating, patient, professional and safe. They regularly take my loved one on outings in the community to help her claim her independance and have become a vital part of her healthcare and happiness. LOVE THIS PLACE!!”
“I am a caregiver with ABC, and I am so happy with the company!! They are so flexible and understanding with my schedule:) such genuine people and the clients are amazing!! They truly embody the name of the company... Not just for the clients but also for their employees???? it makes for an amazing place to work ????”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have Always Best Care Serving Southern Utah for my husband. We got somebody coming in to help. The caregivers are good. They provide total a.m. care help like getting up and getting dressed. We have different ones and so they're trying to get us some steady people coming in. The scheduling is a little bit hard right now. The care has been good, though.”
“Absolutely the best company here in St George! The care goes above and beyond what any family could ever ask for when handling care. They only have the best of the best caregivers that love to help! Their training and communication is top notch. Love this company! I refer all my friends and family! Couldn’t be more proud of an exceptional company!”
“i’ve been working for ABC for about 6 months now & love it! they’re super flexible & have true love & passion for helping others!”
“I've been with ABC 3 years now. They have been gracious and kind whenever I have had to change my schedule or not be able to work a shift. They make me feel like family, and they strive to help the clients feel the same. We love our clients, caregivers and staff.”
“Love working here! Brent and lea are so sweet and understanding towards everyone! They work very hard! Great pay and amazing communication!”
“This is a great company to work for if you’re interested in a flexible schedule. Management is so supportive and will do what they can to make everyday at work a good day. They communicate effectively and quickly to ensure nothing is miscommunicated or misunderstood. Working here as been so rewarding and educational.”
“Always Best Care of Southern Ut is a great company. In November I will have worked with them for three years. I am a senior myself and absolutely love working with them. They always try to make sure the client and the caregiver have a good relationship with each other. They are family owned and genuinely care about both client and employees.”
“I work for Always Best Care and it's amazing they really do care for their clients and they'll go the extra mile to meet their needs ! Not only that but they care for employees i love the flexibility they give us.”
“Always Best Care has definitely been a blessing to our little familys life. As an employer of ABC they have been amazing with flexibility in chosing my schedule so that not only am I able to work but also be home with my kids when I need to be. They are amazing and put their employees first. I love being a member of ABC team.”
“1. Stay active. Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your arthritis hurts, but many studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. 2. Eat a balanced diet. Studies show that a variety of nutrients may help ease arthritis symptoms. 3. Lose weight. Being overweight puts undue strain on weight-bearing joints such as your knees, spine, hips, ankles, and feet. 5. Use hot or cold packs. By increasing blood flow, hot compresses can ease pain and stiffness. 6. Keep pain under control. Over-the-counter medications can help ease arthritis pain. 7. Talk to your doctor about supplements and complementary medicine. Many supplements have been tested for the treatment of arthritis. 8. Try splints, braces, and other aids. Devices that support painful joints, such as splints, braces, and canes can help ease your discomfort and prevent injury. 9. Seek support. Living with arthritis isn’t easy. Finding other people that you can talk to and share ideas with can help. Check out arthritis support groups online or in your area. 10. Stay positive. Your mental outlook can have a big impact on how you feel, and how well you function. #SelfCare #Osteoarthritis #Arthritis #Disability #GoodHealth #PainRelief #SeniorCommunity #Caregiver #Caregiving #WECANHELP #OlderAdult #SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #SeniorServices #SeniorHousing #AlwaysBestCare #Exercise #SelfManaging #Tips”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”
“Always Best Care has some of the friendliest staff. They are quick to learn & eager to assist. Great schedulers who are on top of managing the schedules & keeping their employees accountable. I sure appreciate all the help they give!”
“I can leave a long review if I wanted to . I can talk about always best cares credentials and talk about mine. But What’s the point of leaving a review if it sounds like everybody else’s. The bottom line is , that they are great at their jobs from the bottom to the top. They have a process and people in place . They keep accountability and are communicative . Ive represented many companies in the past and still do till this day contract with only the best.. If you feel you want to hear more about this company on a deeper level just lmk. Happy Healthy Safe”
“I like working for ABC because it works well with my busy nursing school schedule! I also like how I get to work on my own, but there are options to work with other CNAs for the care of some of the clients. It’s the best of both worlds! I’ve been with Always best care since 2021 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients I work with!”
“Love always best care ❤️”
“Amazing business. Staff are helpful and kind.”
“Always Best Care is always best!!! Highly recommended! Brent listens and hears what we need for my 94 year old mom and matches caregivers accordingly. Sometimes, the schedule changes and he works to fill the needs immediately and always with a great attitude! The caregivers are compassionate. Again, I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“They are seriously so amazing to work with and really care for their clients. I came to them with some pretty difficult challenges that I was not sure we could work with but they were able to make it happen and truly did more than I thought was even possible. I highly recommend them.”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Birch Bay State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Canlis or visit Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Washington, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Washington, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Washington, UT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s the biggest game for the Texas Longhorns football program since the 2005 BCS National Championship Game, and it’s one Monday night that could lead to another title game appearance.The No. 3 Longhorns take on the No. 2 Washington Huskies in the 90th Allstate Sugar Bowl, one of the College Football Playoff semifinals, scheduled to kick at 7:45 p.m. CT from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.It’s the sixth time the programs have met and just the second time they’ve played in bac...
AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s the biggest game for the Texas Longhorns football program since the 2005 BCS National Championship Game, and it’s one Monday night that could lead to another title game appearance.
The No. 3 Longhorns take on the No. 2 Washington Huskies in the 90th Allstate Sugar Bowl, one of the College Football Playoff semifinals, scheduled to kick at 7:45 p.m. CT from the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
It’s the sixth time the programs have met and just the second time they’ve played in back-to-back seasons. The Huskies topped the Longhorns 27-20 in last year’s Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, but Texas played the game without star running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson who opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. The Longhorns hold a 3-2 series lead over the Huskies.
Washington enters the game with the best passing offense in FBS, averaging 343.8 yards per game through the air and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been sensational this season. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting and can air it out as well as anybody in the country. He led FBS in passing yards with 4,218 going into Monday’s bowl games and has thrown 33 touchdowns to nine interceptions.
As great as Penix has been for the Huskies, Texas has been more productive on offense this season. The Longhorns are No. 9 in FBS with 475.9 yards of offense per game to Washington’s 469.1.
In tight games like this one is expected to be, special teams become magnified. The Longhorns are better positioned in terms of returning punts, averaging 16.73 yards per return led by All-American returner Xavier Worthy. Defensively, the Longhorns are better than the Huskies in just about every statistical category, led by their third-down defense. Texas allows teams to convert third down about 26% of the time, which is No. 2 in FBS, but the Huskies have a great third-down offense. They earn a new set of downs around 48% of the time, No. 11 in FBS.
Texas freshman defensive back Derek Williams can’t play in the first half of the Sugar Bowl due to a targeting penalty he was flagged for in the Big 12 Conference championship game, and Worthy said his ankle wasn’t 100% earlier in the week, but he’s expected to play.
There will be live updates during the game in the X thread below
Getty Images No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas are, as expected, in a barn burner through one half of football in the Sugar Bowl semifinal. Tied at 21, the two teams have exchanged touchdowns with the Huskies never pulling further away than seven points. The Longhorns have trailed three times but have...
Getty Images
No. 2 Washington and No. 3 Texas are, as expected, in a barn burner through one half of football in the Sugar Bowl semifinal. Tied at 21, the two teams have exchanged touchdowns with the Huskies never pulling further away than seven points. The Longhorns have trailed three times but have proven capable of responding to every Washington touchdown with one of their own. With the Rose Bowl semifinal already producing a classic between No. 1 Michigan and No. 4 Alabama, the Sugar Bowl appears well on its way to unfolding in similar fashion.
The Huskies and Longhorns each boast a proud tradition, including national titles, but neither has ever won a College Football Playoff game. (Texas has never even made the field.) In the final year before the playoff expands to 12 teams, both schools have fielded teams with an aura of destiny that now stand just two victories away from the mountaintop. Texas ended Alabama's 43-game winning streak in nonconference home games earlier this season, and then marched to its first Big 12 title since 2009 in its final year as a conference member before it joins the SEC in 2024.
Washington reached 13 victories for the first time in program history while winning a bitterly competitive Pac-12 in the final season before the league splinters apart. The Big Ten-bound Huskies have won 20 straight games under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer with star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leading the way.
Three of the five all-time meetings between these schools have come in bowl games, all of which were decided by seven points or less. Considering what we saw from them this season, it would be no surprise if the Huskies and Longhorns play a classic.
Follow along with LIVE UPDATES as Texas battles Washington in the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal.
Date: Monday, Jan. 1 | Time: 8:45 p.m. ETLocation: Caesars Superdome -- New Orleans, LouisianaTV: ESPN | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)For a limited time, new subscribers can save $20 on Fubo's Pro, Elite and Premier plans.
Legacy game: Penix has cemented his place in Washington lore as he closes in on a second straight season leading the sport in passing yards per game. He was a Heisman Trophy finalist this season and boasts a 24-2 record as UW's starter. His counterpart, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, is building a legacy of his own. The Texas native transferred home after spending the 2021 season at Ohio State and has helped reinvigorate the program under third-year coach Steve Sarkisian. Ewers threw for a career-high 452 yards and matched his personal best with four passing touchdowns in the Big 12 Championship Game victory against Oklahoma State.
Major trench battle: Washington won the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the nation's top offensive line. The Huskies have allowed only 11 sacks, which is tied for fourth fewest nationally and particularly impressive because of how often UW throws the ball. But the unit will be tested by the Texas defensive front, particularly in the run game. While the Huskies are known for their aerial attack, they keep defenses honest with running back Dillon Johnson, who enters with 1,113 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns. Texas boasts the nation's No. 3 rushing defense, allowing just 2.87 yards per carry, and the Longhorns have gone seven straight games without allowing an opponent to average 4.0 yards per carry. If the Texas defensive interior is able to contain Washington's ground game, it could make the Huskies uncomfortably one-dimensional.
Recent matchup: Washington beat Texas 27-20 in last season's Alamo Bowl, meaning these teams have familiarity with each other. Though some of the personnel have changed for the teams since then, the head coaches, coordinators and starting quarterbacks have not. The Huskies used long drives to build a 27-10 lead, and then held on in the fourth quarter as a Texas team playing without star running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson staged a rally that came up short.
Odds via SportsLine consensus
The Texas offense found an unstoppable gear to close the season, piling up a combined 1,190 yards and 106 points in blowouts over Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. If that version of the Longhorns shows up, covering the spread won't be a problem. Both teams are capable of ripping off huge plays in the passing game, but the Longhorns are better equipped to run the football and contain the run. Pick: Texas -4
| Dennis Dodd | Tom Fornelli | Chip Patterson | Barrett Sallee | Shehan Jeyarajah | David Cobb | Jerry Palm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT -4 | Texas | Texas | Texas | Texas | Washington | Texas | Washington |
| SU | Texas | Texas | Texas | Texas | Washington | Texas | Washington |
Which college football picks can you make with confidence during bowl season? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread -- all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $2,000 in profit over the past seven-plus seasons -- and find out.
Texas had 50 seconds left to claim the second and final spot in the national championship.No. 2 Washington had a six point lead over No. 3 Texas going into the final drive of the 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Texas, which trailed by at most 13 points in the fourth quarter, almost pulled off a miracle in the College Football Playoff semifinal.The Texas defense stopped the powerful Washington offense one final time, giving the offense one last chance to score.Washington’s punter Jack McAllister punted the ball away to an...
Texas had 50 seconds left to claim the second and final spot in the national championship.
No. 2 Washington had a six point lead over No. 3 Texas going into the final drive of the 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Texas, which trailed by at most 13 points in the fourth quarter, almost pulled off a miracle in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
The Texas defense stopped the powerful Washington offense one final time, giving the offense one last chance to score.
Washington’s punter Jack McAllister punted the ball away to an awaiting Jordan Whittington with 50 seconds left. The senior wide receiver called for the fair catch on Texas’ own 16-yard line, but as he caught the ball, Washington defender Keith Reynolds failed to move out of his way and clipped his side.
The 15-yard penalty for fair catch interference moved Texas’ starting field position up to the 31 yard line. With 45 seconds left, sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers returned to the field to attempt to bring Texas back to the national championship for the first time in 14 years.
“There’s a belief in our style and what we do and I think it showed this season,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “There were a lot of games that came down to the wire for us this year and we found a way to win and we put ourselves in position again tonight to have the chance to win the game. It just didn’t happen. That just speaks to the mental toughness that these guys have, the resiliency and also the connection that they have for one another.”
On first and second down, Ewers tried to connect with junior tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. Both times the ball sailed right past an onlooking Sanders. On third-and-10 with 28 seconds left, Whittington made what could’ve been the biggest catch of his career.
Whittington caught the ball for a 41 yard gain and brought Texas into Washington’s territory. The catch kept Texas’ national championship hopes alive. In his final game as a Texas Longhorn, Whittington and his team fell just short.
“I try to stay positive but I’m honestly just heartbroken,” Whittington said. “It physically hurt in my chest after we lost. We felt magical the whole time, we felt like it was already written. No matter what happened, I didn’t know that it was going to come down to the last 10 seconds from six yards away but we didn’t waver one time. That’s why I love this university and I love this team.”
Whittington returned to play his final season after almost quitting football due to injury. His effort gave Texas a chance, but the Longhorns ultimately ran out of time.
After Whittington’s catch, Ewers connected with sophomore running back Jaydon Blue for a 16 yard gain to move Texas up to the 12 yard line with 15 seconds left.
Washington called its final timeout, giving Texas time to prepare to find the end zone.
After a loss of one yard and two incompletions, Ewers turned to junior wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. With one second left, Ewers threw the ball to the back right corner of the end zone. Mitchell and his defender rose up for the ball, but it was batted away before Mitchell could catch it. Time expired along with Texas’ national championship hopes.
“It was tough, especially losing a close game like this,” Ewers said. “I’m proud of the way that we attacked each week and for us to have the opportunity, the whole team is beyond grateful for this opportunity that we had today. I think we all played our hearts out. I don’t question anybody’s effort in that locker room at all, but I couldn’t be more proud of the way that we attacked this year.”
Sarkisian had similar praise for his team and wants his players to be set up for success, not just in football, but in life after the sport is over. With the loss, Texas finished the season with a 12–2 record, its best since 2009.
In 2021, Texas finished 5–7. Now, preparing to join the SEC, the Longhorns have shaped up to prove they can compete with the best of the best.
“All you can do is put forth maximum effort in your preparation,” Sarkisian said. “Get yourself in the right frame of mind and then play as hard as you can and in the end somebody’s gonna win and somebody’s gonna lose. Either way, that should build character and that shows that you help these guys in whatever they end up going to do in life, how to go about your business on a daily basis and put yourself in a position to be successful.”
All betting lines from DraftKings Sportsbook. Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details***Diversity of thought is apparently not our strong suit...***Andrew Be...
All betting lines from DraftKings Sportsbook. Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details
***
Diversity of thought is apparently not our strong suit...
***
Texas is an excellent team. They earned their 12 wins and CFP berth. At the same time, the relative strengths and weaknesses of UT and UW tend to work out ever so slightly better for the Dawgs.
First, when the Huskies have the ball, the dominant Longhorn defensive front will be more effective against a run-heavy attack than UW’s passing preference. It’s possible that Texas gets enough pressure on Michael Penix up the middle to disrupt his timing, but with a secondary that is more “good” than “great,” I think UW’s outstanding receiver group will be able to create targets before the pressure gets home.
Likewise, I respect the Texas rush attack, but the absence of Jonathan Brooks will make a real difference in the game. Texas will score points because they have more great receivers than UW has DBs to match them.
The matchup is close. It will be decided on the margins. UW has thrived in those situations all year. Penix is comfortable in high-pressure games, which is enough to give the slight edge to Washington.
Washington- 33, Texas- 31
***
Regardless of the hypothetical we’ve thrown around a bit re: “Who would win if they played, the 2016 team or 2023 team?” the thing that stands out for me coming into Washington’s second College Football Playoff is just how different this feels. I mean, sure, this whole roster of CFP semi-finalists has more parity, period versus 2016 where it felt like the other three were just sacrificial lambs to Alabama (even if Clemson went on to win it all) — but regardless, as a fan in 2016 it really did feel like just a “happy to be there, hope we make a good show of it” scenario. For the 2023 team, there really isn’t anyone in the country that scares me up against them. This includes — although I respect them as an opponent — Texas.
I will say I think if you’re a neutral fan watching this that it will be a ~very~ entertaining game. Both teams are gonna have moments of absolutely torturing the other fanbase and, tragically, that’s entertaining as hell. My primary worry is if the safeties and inside linebackers take poor angles to/shortly after the catch, especially when Xavier Worthy gets the ball because he can be so explosive with one step-and-go, or burst out of a slight angle change.
In fact, I’m far more antsy about him than the thing we’ve been told repeatedly to fear about Texas, the D-line combo of Sweat and Murphy. Don’t get me wrong, they look really good — great, even — but the film I’ve watched doesn’t strike fear in my heart in the same way that Alabama’s D-line in 2016 did. Which, hoo boy those guys...
In the end I think it’ll be interesting to see how Grubb, Penix, and the line work against this. It’ll definitely be a good challenge and I generally foresee there being some good plays by both the Texas D-line and the Washington offense.
Given the matchup, Texas winning goes through Xavier Worthy and I just don’t think, in 100 opportunities, that that’s able to be more productive than UW’s extremely multi-faceted attack. (Unless of course we revert to the “everybody has the flu and is injured” UW, in which case Texas by 30.)
Washington- 34, Texas- 31
***
The Huskies make the trip to New Orleans, with everything on the line in the Sugar Bowl as they face the Texas Longhorns. Like every great championship fight, this deserves a sequel. On one side stands Washington, with their vaunted pass offense taking center stage, complimented by an excellent run game led by the workhorse Dillon Johnson.
On the other side is Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns with a similarly excellent pass game, led by Quinn Ewers. Everybody has been talking about what a great defensive line Texas has, and how Washington can’t play “big boy football” and how all we play is “basketball on grass”. To that I say, “have they watched the tape?” Yes, we’re a pass first team, and for good reason. We have a couple All World receivers (Odunze and McMillan) a quarterback with a cannon for an arm, and great complimentary pieces in Germie Bernard, Jack Westover and Devin Culp. Every time this offensive line unit has been doubted, they’ve stepped up and given Michael Penix time to throw. This will probably be their toughest test, but they won the Moore award for a reason, so I expect them to be ready! Expect Ryan Grubb to dial up calls that take advantage of Texas’ weaker secondary, to set up the run the closer they get to the end zone.
On the defensive side, it seems as though help is on the way, as Christian Caple reported that Asa Turner, KamFab and Tuli are all healthy, which should help a defense that was flagging in the regular season, but stepped up in a big way in the PAC 12 Championship. Add the debut of Zach Durfee, who, based on reports from his fellow players from practice, could be a game wrecker, and this might be the best defense we’ve come out with since the start of the year.
Overall, this will be a slugfest, but the Huskies have been the beneficiaries of some crucial turns of momentum and I expect that to be the case here again, and I expect Texas to be running through the briars and brambles by game’s end.
Washington- 42, Texas- 38
***
The last time that Washington was in the College Football Playoff it felt like they were a sacrificial lamb before a vengeful goliath Alabama team. That isn’t the case anymore. Washington is the betting underdog against Texas in part because the game is being played in New Orleans but they enter with a better record and a higher seed.
The expectation is that this game will devolve into a shootout. We already know that Washington’s offense is by far the stronger side of the team compared to their defense. That’s also true for Texas although by narrower margins. I’m not so sure though that we don’t see a few more stops than expected similar to last year’s Alamo Bowl which had a final score in the 20’s.
The one game in which Washington’s offense struggled the most this year was against Arizona State. The defining element that gave UW fits was relentless pressure up the middle as Penix was both under siege and ASU was able to get their hands on balls at the line of scrimmage. The defining element of the Texas defense is the best tandem of defensive tackles in the country clogging the middle and necessitating double teams. Expect a lot of quick outside throws to Jalen McMillan and tosses to Dillon Johnson to force them to run sideline to sideline and tire them out so they can run up the middle in the 4th quarter.
Washington’s defense isn’t at the same level as the other 3 CFP squads but they have a habit of making plays when it matters most. No team the Huskies have faced other than Oregon has the same array of playmakers all over the field as Texas. But Quinn Ewers is much less mobile than Bo Nix which should allow Bralen Trice to get a lot of pressure without concerns that the QB will spin out of it. Expect Texas to run a lot of slants and quick passing to negate the Husky edge rushers.
I fully think that one way or another this game is going to come down to the final possession. It’s impossible to have watched Washington win close game after close game and 20 in a row overall and not have confidence in them to pull it out in the end. Washington will have the ball clinging to a 3-point lead needing one more first down to clinch it on a 3rd and 2. Texas’ big DTs will be ready to stuff Dillon Johnson at the point of attack. And instead Penix will pull it out of DJ’s chest and take it himself just barely getting the ball over the marker to secure the win and send Washington the national title game.
Washington- 34, Texas- 31
***
Straight Up: Washington- 4, Texas- 0
Against the Spread (UW +4): Washington- 4, Texas- 0
Over/Under (63.5): Over- 3, Under- 1
Average Score: Washington-35.3 , Texas- 32.8
Jalen McMillan
O/U Receiving Yards (@ MICH)61.5
Score a Touchdown (@ MICH)+165
Score First Touchdown (@ MICH)+1400
NEW ORLEANS — The remarkable comeback of Michael Penix Jr. is a victory away from a perfect ending for Washington.Penix passed for 430 yards and two touchdowns, and the Huskies held off Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl on Monday night to advance to the College Football Playoff title game, earning both the sixth-year quarterback with two surgically repaired knees and the beleaguered Pac-12 one last chance to go out a champion.The second-ranked Huskies (14-0) will face No. 1 Michigan next Monday night in Houston with a 21-game...
NEW ORLEANS — The remarkable comeback of Michael Penix Jr. is a victory away from a perfect ending for Washington.
Penix passed for 430 yards and two touchdowns, and the Huskies held off Texas 37-31 in the Sugar Bowl on Monday night to advance to the College Football Playoff title game, earning both the sixth-year quarterback with two surgically repaired knees and the beleaguered Pac-12 one last chance to go out a champion.
The second-ranked Huskies (14-0) will face No. 1 Michigan next Monday night in Houston with a 21-game winning streak, looking for their first national championship since 1991 and the Pac-12’s first since Southern California in 2004.
Washington is one of 10 schools fleeing the Pac-12 for other Power Five conferences next year, with the Huskies headed to join Michigan in the Big Ten.
But first, the final season of the four-team playoff before expansion to 12 in 2024 comes down to a Pac-12-Big Ten matchup, just like the first when Ohio State beat Oregon.
“Huskie Nation stand up,” Penix told the UW crowd in the postgame trophy ceremony. “We goin’ to the natty!”
No. 3 Texas (12-2) had four shots at the end zone after getting to the UW 12 with 15 seconds left, but Quinn Ewers missed on the last three. The final throw was a fade to Adonai Mitchell that was well-covered by Elijah Jackson.
“Those guys are the most resilient guys I have ever been around,” Washington coach Kalen DeBoer said.
In Texas’ first CFP appearance and final football game as a member of the Big 12 before it goes to the Southeastern Conference, Ewers passed for 318 yards and a touchdown. But it wasn’t enough against Penix and his array of talented receivers.
“They were a second away from playing for a national championship,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “They should be proud of themselves. Penix got hot and (Washington) made some big plays down the field.”
Penix spent his first four college seasons at Indiana, suffering three season-ending injuries, one to each knee and one to his throwing shoulder.
When his former offensive coordinator at Indiana, DeBoer, took over at Washington, Penix didn’t think twice before moving to Seattle, and then decided to take advantage of an extra year of eligibility and returned for a second year.
”He’s been on a mission since he chose to come back, and a lot of the other guys followed his lead,” DeBoer said
The left-hander stayed healthy and blossomed into a star, the Heisman Trophy runner-up this year, and now has a chance to win a national championship after another brilliant performance.
“It was the tough times. I feel like everything I’ve been through built me for this,” Penix said.
Penix went 29 for 38 with no turnovers. He completed 12 straight at one point, the longest on-target streak in the CFP’s 10-year history.
And he did it attacking down field as usual. He completed six passes of at least 20 yards, connecting with Rome Odunze six times for 125 yards and Ja’Lynn Polk five times for 122.
It was in some ways a perfect CFP semifinal for the last season before massive changes in college football: two teams switching conferences next season, led by star quarterbacks who transferred in.
A wild first half included a 77-yard connection with Polk on Penix’s second pass of the game, Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II plunging into the end zone for a 1-yard TD run, a Penix-to-Polk TD pass when the receiver tipped the ball to himself and the Longhorns capping the second quarter with a long touchdown drive to tie it at 21-all at intermission.
There was a fourth-and-1 stop by Texas of Washington deep in Longhorns territory, which didn’t deter DeBoer from going for a fourth-and-1 at his own UW 33, and converting.
Penix had 255 yards and five completions of over 20 yards in the first half alone, and then kept it rolling on the first drive of the second half, throwing a dart down the middle to Jalen McMillen for a 19-yard score.
Washington added two field goals by Grady Gross to take a 34-21 lead early in the fourth quarter. Holding the Huskies to field goals kept Texas in the game, and when Ewers found Adonai Mitchell, the Georgia transfer with two national titles, for a 1-yard score with 7:23 left, it was a one-possession game.
The Superdome sounded like Darrell K. Royal Stadium west, with Texas fans easily outnumbering the visitors from the Pacific Northwest.
Penix calmly went back to work, hitting Odunze over the shoulder for 32 yards down the sideline to set up a first-and-goal that led to the third field goal of the day for Gross, a former walk-on who was put on scholarship after hitting a walk-off winner in the Apple Cup.
That put Washington up 37-28 with 2:40 left, and had its purple-clad fans doing its best to drown out the Longhorns with a “Let’s go Huskies!” chant.
Texas kicked a field goal with 1:09 left cut the lead to six. Washington recovered an onside kick, but couldn’t kill the clock. Texas flew down the field and had an improbable comeback in sight.
But as Washington has done all season, it came through in the clutch.
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“They’ve done it all year, coming up with big-time stops in big-time moments,” Penix said.
The Huskies’ last nine victories have all been decided by 10 points or fewer.
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