ATLANTA — In a thrilling College Football Playoff showdown, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers made a pivotal 28-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden, helping the Longhorns overcome a late rally from Arizona State. It was a nail-biting finish for the No. 4 ranked Longhorns, who ultimately secured a 39-31 victory over the No. 10 Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl.
After Ewers’ impressive throw on a critical fourth-and-13 play forced the game into double overtime, safety Andrew Mukuba sealed the win with an interception, bringing relief to Texas fans and players alike as they fought back from a surprising fourth-quarter collapse.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian praised his team’s resilience, stating, “When our backs are against the wall, our best shows up time and time again. It makes you proud as a coach.” This determination could be vital as Texas aims for a national championship, and this game will be remembered as a key moment in their journey.
Arizona State, a two-touchdown underdog, finally took the lead after a strong performance by running back Cam Skattebo, who ran in a 3-yard touchdown. However, it wasn’t enough to topple the Longhorns. Ewers had other plans, connecting with Golden to tie it up just in time.
“This shows the maturity of our team,” Ewers remarked after the game. Texas took control early but faced stiff competition as the Sun Devils fought back. Despite a dominant performance in terms of yardage by Arizona State, which tallied over 500 yards to Texas’ 375, the Longhorns found a way to persevere.
Texas had initially surged ahead with a 24-8 lead, scoring early touchdowns and effectively utilizing Ewers’ skill. Yet, the Sun Devils, powered by Skattebo, refused to back down, showcasing remarkable strategy and a never-give-up attitude. Skattebo even contributed a 42-yard touchdown pass in a crucial fourth-and-2 situation.
In an unexpected turn of events, Texas missed two critical field goals that could have clinched the game in regulation. Skattebo’s impressive performance included rushing for 143 yards and making eight catches for 99 yards, but ultimately it was Texas’ day.
Looking ahead, Texas is set to face either No. 1 Oregon or No. 6 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl semifinal, which will be a home game of sorts for them in Arlington, Texas. On the other hand, Arizona State will look to build on this impressive season when they return to play in 2025.
The Takeaway
For Texas, this game highlighted the need for improvement, but it also showcased their strength under pressure. As for Arizona State, while they may have missed golden opportunities, their performance will surely help to elevate their program in the eyes of college football fans nationwide.
