Excitement is running high in El Paso, Texas, as the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Duke Blue Devils square off in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, capping off a memorable season for both programs. With fans filling Sun Bowl Stadium and anticipation in the air, the stage is set for a college football showdown that promises fireworks and drama.
Arizona State, riding the momentum of an 8-4 season and a 6-3 record in the Big 12, is eager to end its campaign on a high note after a disappointing 23-7 loss to in-state rival Arizona in the regular-season finale. That game saw quarterback Jeff Sims provide the lone bright spot for the Sun Devils, rushing for the team's only touchdown. As the team takes the field today, there's a sense of both reflection and ambition—the Sun Devils are looking to close out what has been one of their most successful two-year stretches in recent memory.
On the other side, the Duke Blue Devils arrive in El Paso as the reigning ACC champions, having edged out Virginia 27-20 in a thrilling overtime victory in the conference title game. Quarterback Darian Mensah was the hero of that contest, tossing two crucial touchdown passes to Jeremiah Hasley and solidifying his reputation as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the ACC. Duke ended the regular season with an 8-5 overall record and a 6-2 mark in conference play, marking a significant leap for a program that’s quickly gaining traction under Mensah’s leadership.
Fans unable to make the trip to El Paso have plenty of ways to catch the action. The game is being broadcast live on CBS at 2 p.m. ET, with additional streaming options available through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Paramount+. All three platforms offer free trials, and both Fubo and DirecTV Stream are enticing new subscribers with first-month discounts. It’s never been easier to tune in and see which team will seize the Sun Bowl spotlight.
As the teams warmed up under the Texas sun, the atmosphere was electric. Arizona State players stretched and ran drills with determination, while Duke’s squad looked focused and ready for battle. Among the Sun Devils, incoming freshman Jake Fette was spotted tossing the ball, a nod to the program’s bright future. The stands were alive with fans from both schools, their cheers echoing across the stadium as kickoff approached.
The opening quarter did not disappoint. Arizona State struck first, with Jalen Moss making a spectacular adjustment to haul in a 51-yard pass from Jeff Sims just minutes into the game. That big play set the tone, and soon after, Sims capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown run on a read option, giving the Sun Devils an early 7-0 lead.
Duke wasted little time responding. Quarterback Darian Mensah, who has been the engine behind the Blue Devils’ resurgence, connected with Que'Sean Brown for a stunning 69-yard touchdown. Brown broke free on his route, sprinting uncontested into the end zone and tying the game at 7-7 with 8:53 left in the first quarter. The Blue Devils’ offense was just getting started.
Moments later, after a defensive stop and a short field, Mensah orchestrated another efficient drive. Following a crucial 46-yard reception by Brown on third down, Mensah found Cooper Barkate for a three-yard touchdown pass, pushing Duke ahead 14-7. The Sun Devils, however, refused to back down. With just over five minutes left in the quarter, Sims unleashed a deep shot to Moss, who secured a 44-yard touchdown catch, evening the score at 14-14. As the first quarter ended, both teams had already traded haymakers, and the crowd sensed this would be a game to remember.
“We knew coming in that Duke’s offense could strike quickly, but our guys are up for the challenge,” an Arizona State assistant coach was overheard saying during warmups. The Sun Devils’ resilience has been a hallmark of their season, and with several key players suiting up for the final time, there’s extra motivation to leave everything on the field.
Duke, meanwhile, is relishing its role as the ACC’s standard-bearer. “Winning the conference was huge, but we’re not satisfied yet,” Mensah told reporters earlier in the week. “This group believes in itself, and we want to finish what we started.” That confidence was evident in the first quarter, with Mensah’s poise and quick decision-making keeping Arizona State’s defense on its heels.
Both teams feature playmakers capable of turning the tide in an instant. For Arizona State, Sims’ dual-threat ability has been a revelation, and Moss’s knack for making big catches adds a vertical dimension to the offense. Duke counters with Mensah’s arm and legs, complemented by the speed of Brown and the sure hands of Barkate. The chess match between the Sun Devils’ defensive front and Duke’s offensive line is one to watch as the game progresses.
This Sun Bowl matchup also marks a changing of the guard for Arizona State. Several veteran players are donning the maroon and gold for the last time, their contributions instrumental in building a winning culture. The significance isn’t lost on fans or coaches, who see this game as both a celebration of the past and a glimpse into the program’s future. Del Valle alum Jake Fette, already making waves as an incoming freshman, represents that next wave of Sun Devil talent.
For Duke, the Sun Bowl is validation of a season’s hard work and a springboard for continued success. The Blue Devils’ defense, which has made timely plays all year, faces a stern test against Sims and company. Special teams could also play a pivotal role, especially if the game remains close heading into the second half.
With the first quarter in the books and the score knotted at 14-14, the action is just heating up in El Paso. Duke will begin the second quarter with the ball at their own 22-yard line, and fans on both sides are bracing for more twists and turns. Will Mensah continue his hot streak, or will Sims and the Sun Devils seize control? One thing’s certain—the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl is living up to its billing as one of the season’s most intriguing bowl matchups.
As the afternoon unfolds, all eyes remain glued to the field, with both teams determined to etch their names into Sun Bowl history. Whether you’re cheering from the stands in El Paso or watching from home, this is college football at its finest—a battle of champions, legacies, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Stay tuned, as this one is far from over.
