The Arizona State Sun Devils, seeded No. 4, are set to face the No. 5 seeded Texas Longhorns in the 2025 Peach Bowl, a crucial matchup in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals happening this Wednesday. The Sun Devils, while finishing at No. 12 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, earned their fourth seed by clinching the Big 12 championship. Conversely, the Longhorns capped their season ranked No. 3 but fell to fifth seed after suffering a loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.
Arizona State enters the game with an impressive record of 11 wins and 2 losses, achieving the same performance against the spread. Texas has a slightly better overall record of 12-2, having struggled somewhat with an 8-6 record against the spread.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern Time at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As for betting odds, Texas opened as a 14.5-point favorite, but the current line has adjusted to Texas -13.5, with an over/under set at 51.5 points.
Arizona State’s standout player, running back Cam Skattebo, is a key factor in their unexpected success. After a standout season that saw him accumulate over 1,500 rushing yards and contribute 19 touchdowns, he was among the top contenders in the Heisman Trophy race. His ability to perform under pressure has been vital for Arizona State, especially down the stretch of the season.
On the other hand, Texas aims to bounce back after their SEC Championship defeat. A solid performance against Clemson in their playoff opener showcased their strength at the line of scrimmage, particularly with running backs Tre Wisner and Jaydon Blue contributing significantly. However, they need quarterback Quinn Ewers to manage the game effectively to minimize mistakes.
The matchup poses an intriguing challenge, with both teams bringing solid strengths to the field. Arizona State’s surprising rise and offensive threats contrast with Texas’s power in the run game and defensive capability.
In conclusion, as both teams prepare for this significant clash, there’s much anticipation surrounding their performance. Fans can look forward to a thrilling contest in the Peach Bowl, representing the hard work and perseverance of both programs throughout the season.