Texas Longhorns football vs Arizona State Sun Devils football match player stats
On January 1, 2025, college football fans witnessed a thrilling contest between the Texas Longhorns and the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. The game, which extended into double overtime, showcased remarkable performances, strategic maneuvers, and moments of high drama. This article delves into the intricate details of the match, highlighting key player statistics, pivotal moments, and the overall impact on both teams’ seasons.
Table of Contents
Pre-Game Context
Team Overviews
Texas Longhorns entered the Peach Bowl with high expectations. Their season had been marked by a series of impressive victories, and they were considered strong contenders for the College Football Playoff. The team’s offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, had been particularly noteworthy, with Ewers demonstrating exceptional passing skills throughout the season.
Arizona State Sun Devils, on the other hand, had experienced a remarkable turnaround under head coach Kenny Dillingham. After consecutive 3-9 seasons, the Sun Devils clinched the Big 12 Championship with an 11-2 record, earning them a spot in the Peach Bowl. Their offense was spearheaded by running back Cam Skattebo, whose versatility and resilience had been instrumental in their success.
Key Players to Watch
- Quinn Ewers (Texas Longhorns, Quarterback): Ewers had been a cornerstone of Texas’s offense, known for his precision passing and ability to read defenses effectively.
- Cam Skattebo (Arizona State Sun Devils, Running Back): Skattebo’s dynamic playing style, combining power running with agility, had made him a standout performer in the Big 12.
- Myles Rowser (Arizona State Sun Devils, Defensive Back): Leading the Sun Devils in tackles, Rowser’s defensive prowess had been crucial in limiting opposing offenses.
First Half Analysis
Opening Drives
The game commenced with Arizona State receiving the kickoff. An early penalty for running into the kicker by Texas linebacker Morice Blackwell Jr. extended the Sun Devils’ opening drive. They capitalized with a 33-yard field goal by Carston Kieffer, taking an early 3-0 lead.
Texas’s Immediate Response
Texas’s offense responded explosively. On their first play, Ewers connected with receiver Matthew Golden for a 54-yard gain, immediately placing them in scoring position. Following up, Ewers threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr., giving Texas a 7-3 lead.
Special Teams Impact
The Longhorns’ special teams made a significant impact when Silas Bolden returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown, extending Texas’s lead to 14-3. This play underscored the importance of special teams in shifting game momentum.
Defensive Stands
Arizona State attempted to narrow the gap but faced a resilient Texas defense. A notable moment occurred when Texas edge rusher Ethan Burke blocked a field goal attempt, maintaining their lead. The first half concluded with Texas leading 17-3.
Second Half Analysis
Arizona State’s Resilience
The Sun Devils emerged from halftime with renewed determination. Skattebo’s performance was particularly noteworthy; despite facing a formidable Texas defense, he managed to break through for significant gains. His versatility was on display when he executed a trick play, throwing a 42-yard touchdown pass that energized the Arizona State sideline.
Texas’s Offensive Struggles
Texas’s offense faced challenges in the second half. The running game, which had been a strength in previous matches, was stifled by Arizona State’s defense. Running back Quintrevion Wisner managed only 45 yards, highlighting the Sun Devils’ defensive effectiveness.
Special Teams Woes
Texas’s special teams, initially a catalyst for their lead, encountered difficulties. Kicker Bert Auburn missed two critical field goals in the fourth quarter, including one that struck the upright as time expired, preventing Texas from securing a regulation-time victory.
Overtime Thrills
First Overtime
Arizona State struck first in overtime, with Skattebo rushing for a touchdown, giving them a 31-24 lead. Texas faced a daunting fourth-and-13 situation, but Ewers displayed composure, connecting with Golden for a 28-yard touchdown, tying the game.
Second Overtime
Texas seized momentum in the second overtime. Ewers delivered a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Gunnar Helm. Opting for a two-point conversion, Ewers successfully connected with Jordan Whittington, extending their lead to 39-31. The game concluded dramatically when Texas defensive back Andrew Mukuba intercepted a pass from Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, sealing the victory for the Longhorns.
Key Player Statistics
Texas Longhorns
- Quinn Ewers (Quarterback): Ewers completed 18 of 29 passes for 275 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. His performance in clutch moments, particularly in overtime, was pivotal.
- Matthew Golden (Wide Receiver): Golden recorded six receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns, including the critical fourth-down conversion in overtime.
- Silas Bolden (Wide Receiver/Special Teams): Bolden’s 75-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first half was a game-changing play.
- Andrew Mukuba (Defensive Back): Mukuba’s interception in the second overtime was crucial in securing the win for Texas.
Arizona State Sun Devils
- Cam Skattebo (Running Back): Skattebo amassed 141 rushing yards on 28 carries, with two rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he threw a 42-yard touchdown pass and recorded 86 receiving yards, accounting for 56% of Arizona State’s total offense.
- Sam Leavitt (Quarterback): Leavitt completed 22 of 35 passes for 210 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. His leadership was instrumental in the Sun Devils’ second-half resurgence.
- Myles Rowser (Defensive Back): Rowser led the defense with 12 tackles, showcasing his ability to read the offense and make crucial stops.
Post-Game Reflections
Texas Longhorns
The victory propelled Texas into the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they were set to face the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, the game exposed areas needing improvement. The offense’s second-half stagnation and special teams’ inconsistencies were concerning. Head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the need to address these issues to enhance their championship aspirations.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Despite the loss, Arizona State’s performance was commendable. Their ability to rally from a substantial deficit against a top-tier opponent highlighted their growth under Coach Dillingham. Skattebo’s standout performance not only earned him the Offensive MVP award but also significantly boosted his NFL Draft prospects. The Sun Devils concluded their season with an 11-3 record, reflecting a remarkable turnaround and setting a positive trajectory for the program.
Conclusion
The January 1, 2025, Peach Bowl between the Texas Longhorns and the Arizona State Sun Devils was a thrilling contest that showcased elite performances, dramatic momentum shifts, and unforgettable moments. Texas emerged victorious with a 39-31 double-overtime win, largely due to Quinn Ewers’ clutch passing, Matthew Golden’s heroics, and Andrew Mukuba’s game-sealing interception. However, Cam Skattebo’s outstanding all-around performance for Arizona State cemented his status as one of the most dynamic players in college football.
For Texas, the win secured a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they would face Ohio State in another highly anticipated matchup. Meanwhile, despite the loss, Arizona State’s resurgence under Kenny Dillingham proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the future.
This game will be remembered not just for its high-intensity action and overtime drama, but also for the individual brilliance that defined it. Whether it was Ewers’ precision, Skattebo’s versatility, or Rowser’s defensive grit, this showdown embodied the very essence of college football.
