The Arizona State Sun Devils faced off against the Texas Longhorns in a thrilling College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, ultimately falling to Texas 39-31 after a gripping double overtime battle.
Despite entering halftime trailing 17-3, the Sun Devils mounted an impressive comeback, spurred on by star running back Cam Skattebo, who amassed 143 rushing yards and crossed the end zone twice. He also showcased his versatility by throwing a passing touchdown to Malik McClain, bringing ASU within reach of victory. Quarterback Sam Leavitt contributed significantly as well, throwing for 222 yards and rushing for an additional 60 yards.
ASU seemed poised to clinch the game during overtime when they nearly secured a win, but Texas managed to convert a crucial 4th and 13 play, leading to a touchdown pass from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers to Matthew Golden. Ewers later threw another touchdown in the second overtime, sealing the victory for Texas, who will proceed to the semifinals against either Ohio State or Oregon.
Arizona State’s remarkable journey to the quarterfinals is noteworthy. Predicted to finish last in the Big 12, they defied expectations by winning the conference title in their debut season, defeating Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 Championship before earning a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
Looking ahead, the winner of the Texas and ASU clash will face either Ohio State or Oregon in the semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10. On another bracket, Penn State emerged victorious against Boise State in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, advancing to the semifinals to face either Notre Dame or Georgia, who will compete on January 2.
This season has been a testament to the competitive spirit of college football, and while Arizona State’s journey in the playoffs has come to an end, they have certainly established themselves as a formidable presence in the Big 12 and beyond. Their fighting spirit and successful run this year provide a hopeful outlook for future seasons.
In summary, the Sun Devils’ performance in the Peach Bowl showcased their resilience and skill, promising an exciting future for the program.