The Texas Longhorns are back in Atlanta with a chance to rewrite their Peach State narrative. Less than a month after falling to Georgia in a heartbreaking SEC Championship overtime thriller, Texas (12-2) will face the Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2) in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day. This College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup offers redemption for the Longhorns and a stage for Arizona State to prove its remarkable season was no fluke.
After their SEC title-game disappointment, Texas showed resilience in the opening round of the 12-team playoff, edging out Clemson in a high-stakes battle. Now, the Longhorns are just one victory away from a semifinal in their home state at the Cotton Bowl against either Oregon or Ohio State.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been the heart of the offense, posting 2,867 passing yards and 26 touchdowns this season. The Longhorns’ defense, however, has been inconsistent, particularly with tackling—something Arizona State’s potent rushing attack, led by Cam Skattebo, will look to exploit.
Adding intrigue, a half-dozen former Longhorns now don the maroon and gold for Arizona State, including key contributors like wide receivers Jake Smith and Troy Omeire, and defensive end J’Mond Tapp. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the familiarity, noting, “They know us, and we know them. It adds an interesting layer to this matchup.”
Few teams have stunned the college football world like Arizona State this season. Under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils soared from a 3-9 record in 2023 to Big 12 champions in their first season in the conference. Picked to finish last in the preseason, Arizona State defied expectations with clutch performances and gritty resilience.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt has been instrumental, with 2,663 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. But the true star is running back Cam Skattebo, who has amassed over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. Skattebo’s blend of power and elusiveness has turned him into one of the nation’s most dynamic players, and he’s not shy about his confidence.
“I’m the best runner in college football,” Skattebo declared. The Peach Bowl is his chance to prove it against a Texas defense that has struggled against physical runners.
This game will also highlight a compelling quarterback duel. Ewers is a polished passer with a knack for clutch plays, but Leavitt has matched his numbers while leading a less heralded supporting cast. Both signal-callers are eager to make a statement, with Leavitt expressing excitement about going head-to-head with Ewers.
“Quinn’s a great quarterback, but I want to show I can be better,” Leavitt said.
Cam Skattebo vs. Texas Defense, can Texas clean up its tackling woes and contain Skattebo? If not, Arizona State could control the clock and the game.
Arizona State’s transfer-heavy roster includes multiple former Texas players, adding fuel to an already fiery contest.
Ewers vs. Leavitt: The quarterback who performs better in critical moments will likely lead their team to victory.
For Texas, this is a chance to erase the sting of their SEC Championship loss and keep their national title dreams alive. For Arizona State, it’s an opportunity to cap a Cinderella season with an upset on one of college football’s biggest stages.
Texas enters as a two-touchdown favorite, but Arizona State thrives in the underdog role. Can the Longhorns handle the pressure, or will the Sun Devils’ improbable journey continue?
We’ll find out on New Year’s Day in Atlanta.
