In a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the ages, the No. 4 Texas Longhorns survived a valiant upset bid by the No. 10 Arizona State Sun Devils, ultimately prevailing 39-31 in a double overtime Peach Bowl classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Longhorns appeared to be in control, leading 24-8 with just over 10 minutes remaining, but an epic fourth quarter rally led by Arizona State’s star running back Cam Skattebo sent the game to overtime knotted at 24-24.
Skattebo, who boldly calls himself the best running back in the nation, nearly carried the Sun Devils to a massive upset with a dazzling array of runs, catches, and even a 42-yard touchdown pass on a crucial fourth down play. His heroics helped erase a 16-point fourth quarter deficit, as he racked up over 200 yards from scrimmage and 4 total touchdowns.
Texas Avoids Collapse with Clutch Plays
Facing a shocking upset, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered when it mattered most. On fourth-and-13 in the first overtime, Ewers connected with Matthew Golden on a 28-yard touchdown to keep the Longhorns alive. He followed it up with a 25-yard strike to Gunnar Helms and a two-point conversion to Golden in the second overtime to put Texas ahead for good.
I just had to give my guys a chance. I saw Matt break free behind the defenders and let it rip. This team never quits.
– Quinn Ewers, Texas Quarterback
The Texas defense, gashed for much of the second half by Skattebo, came up with the game-ending play as safety Andrew Mukuba intercepted Sam Leavitt’s pass at the 3 yard line to seal the victory and send the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Expanded Playoff Delivers Instant Classic
After lopsided results in the first five games of the expanded 12-team playoff format, the Peach Bowl finally produced the kind of back-and-forth thriller that fans and pundits were hoping for. The Sun Devils and Longhorns traded haymakers all afternoon in a contest featuring:
- 1,267 combined total yards
- 14 plays of 20+ yards
- 7 lead changes
- 4 touchdowns in the 4th quarter and overtime
The 12-team format, which grants a first-round bye to the top four seeds, was hailed as a boon to the sport when first announced. However, some had begun to question the wisdom of the expansion after non-competitive opening round games. The instant classic in Atlanta should quell those doubts for now.
If you’re looking for exhibit A to justify expansion, this was it. The drama, the passion, the elite talent on the big stage – that’s what we dreamed about when we pushed for 12 teams.
– George Kliavkoff, Former Pac-12 Commissioner
Longhorns’ Title Path Gets Tougher
By the skin of their teeth, Texas advances to the semifinals and a Cotton Bowl date with the Rose Bowl winner, either No. 1 Oregon or No. 6 Ohio State. It’s the Longhorns’ fourth CFP semifinal appearance, having lost their previous three. To reach the championship game for the first time, they’ll likely need to vanquish the mighty Ducks or Buckeyes without the luxury of a close escape like they had against Arizona State.
Longhorns faithful packed the stands in Atlanta, willing their team to victory. If Texas gets past the semifinal, a date with destiny in the national championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington could await. But there is little time to savor the Peach Bowl victory, as preparations begin immediately for a colossal Cotton Bowl clash on January 10th.
Sun Devils Exit with Heads Held High
For Arizona State and wunderkind head coach Kenny Dillingham, the magical run ends in heartbreak. But the young Sun Devils, powered by Skattebo’s brilliance, served notice that they will be a force in the rugged Pac-12 for years to come. Proving their run to the Pac-12 title was no fluke, ASU had the mighty Longhorns on the ropes until the very end.
I’m crushed for our guys because they left it all on the field. But I’m so damn proud of the fight and character they showed on the biggest stage. The future is blindingly bright in Tempe.
– Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State Head Coach
Playoff Madness Continues
The Longhorns’ escape in the Peach Bowl caps a wild first two rounds of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Double-digit seeds Arkansas and Iowa stole first round games on the road before suffering regional semifinal defeats. Now, with Oregon-Ohio State serving as the 6 vs. 1 de facto national quarterfinal in Pasadena, the madness is just getting started.
Up next, the winners between:
- No. 4 Texas vs. No. 1 Oregon/No. 6 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl
- No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 3 Alabama in the Sugar Bowl
Will Texas ride the momentum from its Peach Bowl escape all the way to glory, or will the gauntlet of blueblood programs prove too much? Can defending champ Georgia repeat, or will their SEC rival Alabama derail the coronation? The table is set for a College Football Playoff finale like no other.
