If they can defeat Arizona State — with Texas being a two-touchdown favorite — they will head back to their home state for a semifinal clash against either Oregon or Ohio State.
ATLANTA — Less than a month ago, the Texas Longhorns found themselves in Atlanta competing for a championship.
That game didn’t go as they hoped.
Now, the Longhorns get a chance for redemption in the A-T-L as they take on Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, on New Year’s Day.
Fifth-seeded Texas (12-2) insists it has moved past the heartbreak of their overtime loss to Georgia on Dec. 7, a defeat that cost them a title in their inaugural season as an SEC member.
“Of course, it’s something we feel a bit, but we’re focused on moving forward and preparing for Arizona State,” Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. said. “They’re a strong team, and we don’t want to dwell on that (Georgia) game anymore.”
The Longhorns showed no lingering effects from that loss when they held off Clemson in the first round of the expanded 12-team playoff.
If Texas can overcome Arizona State — as the two-touchdown favorites — they’ll head to the Cotton Bowl for a semifinal showdown against either Oregon or Ohio State.
Fourth-seeded Arizona State (11-2) has been one of the season’s most surprising teams.
The Sun Devils finished 3-9 last year under Kenny Dillingham in his first season as head coach. After transitioning from the collapsing Pac-12 to the 16-team Big 12, Arizona State was predicted to finish last this season.
Instead, they tied for the top spot in the regular season and secured the Big 12 championship with a decisive victory over Iowa State.
This game offers Arizona State the opportunity to confirm that their remarkable season was no fluke.
“We’re facing one of the best teams in the country, if not the best,” Dillingham said Tuesday. “It’s a huge challenge for us, but as competitors, we’re eager to measure ourselves against the best in an elite environment.”
Ewers vs. Leavitt
Texas QB Quinn Ewers boasts an impressive resume.
Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, however, is out to prove he’s the better quarterback.
Leavitt has been instrumental in Arizona State’s unexpected success and is ready for a head-to-head matchup with Ewers, who has thrown for 2,867 yards and 26 touchdowns this season.
Leavitt has comparable stats, with 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns.
“I’m just excited for the chance,” Leavitt said. “People have doubted me since day one, and I’m ready to prove I’m the better quarterback.”
Skattebo’s Moment
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State’s standout running back, has emerged as one of the rare players in FBS history with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage.
Confident in his abilities, Skattebo has declared himself the best runner in college football.
The Peach Bowl provides an ideal stage to back up his claim, especially against a Texas defense that has struggled with tackling.
“I believe I’m the best,” Skattebo said. “I’m excited to face them because I’ll bring something they haven’t seen before. I’m ready, and I hope they are too.”
Former Longhorns on the Other Side
The Longhorns will encounter familiar faces on Arizona State’s revamped roster, as six players transferred to Tempe from Texas.
This group includes receivers Jake Smith and Troy Omeire, defensive back Xavion Alford, defensive ends J’Mond Tapp and Prince Dorbah, and defensive tackle Zac Swanson.
“All those guys will definitely be extra motivated to face Texas,” Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe said. “Whenever you leave a school, it’s always fun to compete against your former teammates.”
Dillingham acknowledged the significant impact of the Texas transfers.
“When we bring in players from that program, we know we’re getting guys who are hardworking, competitive, and disciplined,” the Sun Devils coach said.
Turnover Battle
Turnovers often decide big games, and the Peach Bowl will likely be no different.
Arizona State has only turned the ball over eight times this season, tied for the second-fewest in the FBS. Texas, however, leads the nation with 29 takeaways.
Dillingham emphasized the importance of protecting Leavitt in the pocket.
“It all starts with pass rush,” he said. “They get pressure, deflect passes, and disrupt throwing lanes.”
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian praised Skattebo and the Sun Devils’ ability to avoid fumbles, having lost only three this season along with five interceptions.
“Protecting the ball isn’t just luck; it’s something they’ve clearly worked on,” Sarkisian said. “They’ve done an excellent job of controlling games by avoiding turnovers.”
Suspended Star
Arizona State will be without star defensive back Shamari Simmons for the first half of the game. Simmons was ejected for targeting during the Big 12 championship and must sit out the opening two quarters.
“Shamari is a leader for us,” Xavion Alford said. “It’s unfortunate he won’t be on the field in the first half, but he’ll still lead and support us from the sidelines.”
Redshirt freshman Montana Warren will step into Simmons’ role for the first half.
“God has a plan, and right now, it’s time to show the world what Montana Warren can do,” Simmons said. “He’s going to be a phenomenal defensive back for Arizona State for years to come.”
