Atlanta, GA—The first quarterfinal of the NCAA College Football Playoff delivered a spectacular matchup, with the Texas Longhorns edging out the Arizona State Sun Devils 39-31 in double overtime at a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The crowd, evenly divided in loyalty, witnessed a game full of drama, resilience, and standout performances.
For Texas, the victory marked another step toward their first national championship game since the 2009 season. Arizona State, fresh off a Big 12 Championship that earned them a first-round bye in the inaugural 12-team playoff, put up a valiant fight but fell just a little short.
First Half: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
The game began with Arizona State moving the ball effectively, highlighted by a 10-yard rush from Cam Skattebo. However, the drive faltered after a series of penalties extended it. The Sun Devils settled for a field goal to open the scoring.
Texas quickly answered with a two-play, 77-yard drive capped by a Quinn Ewers touchdown pass to Deandre Moore Jr. The Longhorns’ special teams added to the momentum when Silas Bowden returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown, putting Texas up 14-3.
Arizona State struggled to capitalize on opportunities, missing a late field goal attempt after a creative fake punt conversion. Texas extended their lead to 17-3 at halftime, with their defense repeatedly stifling the Sun Devils in the red zone.
Second Half: Arizona State Mounts a Comeback
The third quarter saw Arizona State’s offense find its rhythm. Quarterback Sam Leavitt and Skattebo orchestrated a drive deep into Texas territory, but the Longhorns’ defense held firm on fourth-and-goal. Moments later, a fumbled handoff by Texas resulted in a safety for the Sun Devils, narrowing the score to 17-5.
Skattebo finally broke through with a 35-yard run, setting up a field goal to make it 17-8. Texas responded with a methodical drive, culminating in Ewers’ five-yard touchdown scramble, extending the lead to 24-8 early in the fourth quarter.
With their backs against the wall, the Sun Devils turned to trickery. Skattebo connected with Malik McClain on a 42-yard halfback pass for a touchdown, then ran in the two-point conversion to close the gap to 24-16. Moments later, an interception by Arizona State’s Javan Robinson set up a 62-yard Skattebo reception and a subsequent two-yard touchdown run. Another two-point conversion tied the game at 24 with under five minutes remaining.
Regulation Ends in a Stalemate
Both teams had chances to win in the final minutes. Texas missed a 48-yard field goal, while Arizona State failed to convert on third down and punted. Texas drove into field goal range again, but their 38-yard attempt to win the game also fell short, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime: Texas Holds On
In the first overtime, Arizona State struck first with a three-yard touchdown run by Skattebo. Texas answered on fourth-and-13 with an incredible pass from Ewers to Matthew Golden, who finished with seven receptions on the day.
Texas opened the second overtime with Ewers’ third touchdown pass, this time to Gunnar Helm, and converted the two-point attempt. Arizona State’s final chance ended with an interception by Andrew Mukuba, sealing the Longhorns’ 39-31 victory.
Postgame Reactions
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised his team’s resilience, saying, “If I can be a model of poise and Quinn can be a model for poise, that permeates throughout the team.” Ewers finished with three touchdown passes, including two in overtime, while Golden emerged as a crucial target.
Arizona State’s head coach Kenny Dillingham lauded Skattebo’s performance. “He’s a special player. You give him the ball, and crazy things happen,” Dillingham said. Skattebo showcased his versatility with 143 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and a 42-yard touchdown pass.
The Longhorns now advance to the semifinals, continuing their quest for a national championship in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the season. For Arizona State, despite the heartbreak, their performance in the Peach Bowl showcased their grit and potential for the future.
