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3 takeaways from Texas’ instant-classic win over Arizona State in Peach Bowl
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Texas defeated Arizona State 39-31 in an instant-classic affair at the Peach Bowl on Wednesday afternoon.
Texas built a 24-8 lead but collapsed down the stretch. The Longhorns went long stretches of this game without generating much offense to speak of. After getting stops in the red zone earlier in the game, Arizona State was able to breakthrough with a couple of clutch touchdowns and 2-point conversions late in the contest.
However, some big plays by the Longhorns in overtime ultimately led to a Texas victory. Here are 3 takeaways from the game:
Texas’s 4th-quarter collapse
The Longhorns appeared to have a relatively safe 16-point lead midway through the 4th quarter, but things unraveled quickly. While facing a 4th and 2, star running back Cam Skattebo threw a 42-yard touchdown pass on a trick play. Arizona State’s ensuing 2 point conversion made it an 8-point game.
Then, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw an interception on UT’s ensuing possession. Arizona State then got into the red zone on a 62-yard pass from Sam Leavitt to Skattebo. The Sun Devils were able to score and convert their 2-point conversion — both on Skattebo rush attempts — to tie the game with 5 minutes remaining.
Texas kicker Bert Auburn had 2 chances to give the Longhorns the lead in the final minutes, but missed both kicks — sending an instant-classic affair into overtime.
Arizona State controlled the ball
A big reason why Arizona State was able to mount a comeback in this game was its ball-control offense. The Sun Devils possessed the ball for nearly 38 of the 60 minutes in regulation.
Arizona State ran 85 plays during regulation while Texas had just 55. Both teams averaged roughly the same number of yards per play during regulation, but the disparity in plays led Arizona State to out-gain Texas by more than 150 yards before overtime.
Quinn Ewers saves the day
Quinn Ewers didn’t have his best game, but he showed up when it mattered most.
Facing a 4th and 13 in overtime while trailing by 7, Texas’s season was on the line. After Arizona State’s defense showed blitz, Ewers took some time at the line of scrimmage to get his protections in order. He then threw a game-tying touchdown pass over the top of ASU’s secondary.
Then, in the 2nd overtime on Texas’s very next play, Ewers found tight end Gunner Helm for a 25-yard touchdown pass to re-take the lead. That proved to be the game-winner for the Longhorns, as Texas’s defense got a stop on Arizona State’s next possession.
Texas will now advance to face the winner of Ohio State vs. Oregon in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
