ATLANTA, GA — In a dramatic Peach Bowl showcasing both teams’ grit and determination, the Texas Longhorns emerged victorious against the Arizona State Sun Devils, defeating them 39-31 in double overtime. The Longhorns’ early dominance set the tone for the game, but a relentless push from the Sun Devils nearly turned the tide in an unforgettable contest.
Texas jumped out to an impressive lead, dominating the first half of the game. However, Arizona State refused to back down, mounting a comeback that would leave fans on the edge of their seats. In a pivotal move, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered a crucial throw to wide receiver Matthew Golden, rescuing Texas’s season and keeping their College Football Playoff aspirations alive.
Ewers’s performance highlighted the maturity and resilience of the Longhorns. “That’s just a testament to how mature this team is and just taking advantage of every single opportunity we have,” he said.
Ewers threw for 322 yards and completed 20 of 30 passes on the day.
Arizona State’s running back, Cam Skattebo, had an outstanding game despite the loss. He carried the ball 30 times for 130 yards while showcasing his versatility with eight receptions for 99 yards and threw a 42-yard touchdown pass.
“We gave everything we had. We never stopped,” Skattebo said postgame. Ironically, Skattebo vomited to begin the fourth quarter, as he had been battling flu like symptoms earlier.
Skattebo was also named Peach Bowl Offensive MVP for his magnificent performance for Arizona State.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised his team’s ability to rise to pressure.
“The one thing that I know about our group is that when our backs are against the wall and when our best is needed, our best shows up time and time again,” he stated, expressing his pride in the team’s resilience throughout the game.
Despite the loss, Arizona State demonstrated its offensive prowess, finishing the game with an impressive 510 yards of offense compared to Texas’s 375 yards. Their relentless pursuit kept the game exciting, proving they were just one play away from pulling off a remarkable comeback.
The victory sends the Longhorns forward to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, where they will look to build on their momentum. As the excitement from the Peach Bowl settles, one thing is clear: Texas’s blend of skill, maturity, and determination has set the stage for an exhilarating postseason run.
The Longhorns will face the winner of the Oregon vs. Ohio State Rose Bowl showdown on January 10 at 7:30 PM ET/ 4:30 PM PT at AT&T Stadium.
