The college football playoff was created to give fans games that will keep them on the edge of their seat, with everything on the line, and ultimately find a true national champion.
After several lopsided first-round matchups, No.5 Texas and No.4 Arizona State gave college football fans an unforgettable two-overtime finish in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day. At the end of this quarterfinal matchup, the Longhorns held on with a 39-31 victory over the Sun Devils. This puts Texas one step closer to the national championship game.
Kenny Dillingham and his Sun Devils were down the entire game, and by 16 points at the start of the 4th quarter. His team made a near-impossible comeback to tie the score at the end of regulation and force overtime.
On 3rd down and 14 in the first overtime, Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt scrambled 16 yards, avoiding Texas defenders and diving for a first down at the 3-yard line. On the next play, Cam Skattebo plowed his way into the endzone to give Arizona State their first lead of the game, 31-24.
Even though Texas lost all its momentum, was behind the eight ball on fourth down and 13, and Arizona State was one stop away from pulling off a colossal upset, its star quarterback shined bright when it needed it most. Quinn Ewers made the play of the year for his team and fan base when the odds were against them.
Ewers, poised and unfazed by the moment, dropped back into the pocket, waited for Matthew Golden to run his route, and threw a perfect 28-yard strike for a touchdown. The Longhorns answered back, and Ewers gave his team new life as they entered the second overtime.
The Longhorns started the second overtime on offense, and Ewers wasn’t finished showing the country he is one of the best. On the first play, he faked the outside zone handoff, stepped up into the pocket, and hit Gunnar Helm in stride for a touchdown. Texas regained the lead, 39-31.
Arizona State’s offensive possession in the second overtime ended when Andrew Mukuba picked off Sam Leavitt’s pass. The interception gave the Longhorns a victory.
Both teams missed opportunities throughout the game. Texas missed two fourth-quarter field goals, including a 38-yarder at the end of regulation. Arizona State failed on a fourth-down attempt on Texas’ 2-yard line midway through the third quarter. They also had a 36-yard field goal blocked right before halftime.
Ewers completed 20-of-30 passes for 322 yards, three touchdowns, and one pick. Matthew Golden caught seven passes for 149 yards and scored one touchdown. Gunnar Helm caught three passes for 56 yards and one touchdown. Silas Bolden added an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown in the 1st quarter.
Jahdae Barron led the Longhorns on defense with 11 tackles, and Michael Taaffe added 10. Trey Moore had two sacks and five tackles.
Cam Skattebo racked up 143 rushing yards on 30 carries for Arizona State. He caught eight passes for 99 yards and threw a 42-yard touchdown to Malik McClain. His performance earned him the MVP of the Peach Bowl. Sam Leavitt completed 24-of-46 passes for 222 yards.
Texas (13-2) advances to the semifinals to play Ohio State on January 10 in the Cotton Bowl. Arizona State finished an outstanding year with an 11-3 overall record in Kenny Dillingham’s first season as head coach.
