The stage is set for the highly anticipated clash between the Texas Longhorns and the Arizona State Sun Devils as they meet in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2025. This matchup will occur at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and both squads come with notable victories and expectations as they compete for college football supremacy.
The Longhorns, boasting a record of 12-2 this season, aim to dismantle their opponents, who are no strangers to the postseason either, sitting at 11-2. This contest marks only the second-ever meeting between these two programs, with Texas having emerged victorious the last time they faced off—a 52-34 win during the 2007 Holiday Bowl.
Texas enters the Peach Bowl with momentum after their strong performances throughout the season and their recent clash against the Clemson Tigers, which showcased their powerful offense and stout defense. Led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have steadily improved over recent years, going from 5-7 to 12-2 and securing their place as contenders for a national title.
Predictive analyses suggest Texas holds the advantage. DraftKings Sportsbook projects Texas as 6-point favorites, with some analysts forecasting they will dominate offensively. Lia Assimakopoulos, a college football insider, predicts Texas will showcase their skill gap against Arizona State, confidently stating, "Texas will show the talent gap, as its offense... proves to be a challenge even for Cam Skattebo."
Quinn Ewers’ performance will be pivotal to the Longhorns’ success. Despite some inconsistencies this season, he remains the focal point of Texas's high-octane offense. With the weight of the game on his shoulders, analysts believe if Ewers can maintain composure and make smart decisions, Texas should find their rhythm. Tim Cowlishaw reinforces this sentiment, hinting at Ewers' historical performance and readiness for the challenge against Arizona State's defense.
On the flip side, the Sun Devils are certainly riding high, entering the bowl game as the reigning Big 12 champions. Coach Kenny Dillingham has transformed his team, guiding them from a dismal 3-9 record last year to 11-2—a remarkable turnaround underscored by key victories throughout the season. Their performance embodies the underdog spirit, and they aim to carry this momentum against one of the more storied programs in college football.
Arizona State's Cam Skattebo is one to watch as he has played a pivotal role this season, characterized by consistency and impactful performances. Skattebo's contributions, alongside quarterback Sam Leavitt, have fueled the Sun Devils’ run-heavy offense, which has racked up remarkable yardage. Dillingham stated, "Everybody’s going to tell them how good they are this week... hopefully they can get ... flushed out of their mind..." emphasizing the mindset his team must maintain going against the heavily favored Longhorns.
The Sun Devils enter the Peach Bowl as formidable underdogs, with betting odds reflective of their unlikely run—tied with teams like Boise State for the steepest odds to clinch the championship. While Arizona State seeks to shake off the 'underdog' label and prove they belong at this level, the Longhorns are anticipated to leverage their depth and experience to assert their dominance.
Pundits are divided on the outcome, with predictions ranging from Texas winning convincingly to closer contests reflecting Arizona State’s resilience. Shawn McFarland, describing Texas's evolution, noted how Sarkisian's coaching has molded the Longhorns to compete at the highest level. Kevin Sherrington echoed this sentiment with his prediction of a narrow victory for Texas, hinting at the possibility of Ewers failing to meet the lofty expectations placed upon him.
So, as both teams prepare for kickoff, the stakes are undeniably high. Texas longs to reassert its prowess and emerge as the national title contender many believe they can be, whereas Arizona State aspires to prove the doubters wrong once again. The Peach Bowl promises to deliver excitement for college football fans as two compelling narratives converge on the gridiron.
Expect television coverage of the matchup to be provided by ESPN, with radio broadcast by the Longhorn Radio Network available for those who want to hear every detail of this thrilling contest live.