On January 3, 2025, the Texas Longhorns emerged victorious against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl, clinching a thrilling double-overtime win with a score of 39-31. The game was marked by pivotal moments and controversial calls, which contributed significantly to the outcome.
Arizona State, ranked fourth, entered the game with high hopes as they faced the number five seed Longhorns. The stakes were high, with both teams vying for advancement in the College Football Playoffs. Texas came out as favorites, with oddsmakers favoring them by 13.5 points.
The match was tightly contested, featuring dramatic shifts, especially during the final minutes of regulation. With the score tied at 24 late in the fourth quarter, Arizona State had the opportunity to set up potentially game-winning plays. Sam Leavitt passed to Melquan Stovall, who was tackled by Texas safety Michael Taaffe, resulting in what many considered to be targeting due to the hit’s intensity.
Despite widespread belief among fans and analysts alike, the referees opted not to penalize Taaffe for targeting, leading to criticism of the officiation. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian deflected questions about the hit, emphasizing the team's commitment to playing physical football. "We don't play flag football," he asserted, reitering the importance of physicality within the rules.
Following the no-call, which many believed could have shifted the game's momentum, Texas kicker Bert Auburn missed what would have been the game-winning field goal. His kick ricocheted off the left post, pushing the game to overtime and preserving Arizona State’s chances.
Heading to overtime, tensions escalated. The Sun Devils took the lead initially, but the Longhorns responded with undeniable poise under pressure. On 4th-and-13, Texas faced what seemed to be certain defeat but instead rose to the occasion. Redshirt junior quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with junior wide receiver Matthew Golden for a 28-yard touchdown, flipping the script for the Longhorns.
Arizona State's defensive strategy came under fire after head coach Kenny Dillingham took responsibility for the dense play-calling, particularly the unenforced risks they faced. Dillingham remarked post-game, "This game is 100% on me. Our guys played good enough to win, but I must do more to support them.” He explained his intention behind the defensive call, which put their players too exposed to Texas’s offensive maneuvers.
The ensuing possession saw Ewers cap off the victory with another touchdown pass, extending the lead for Texas as they battled its way through adversity. Conclusively, senior safety Andrew Mukuba intercepted Leavitt near the goal line, sealing the fate of the Sun Devils.
The aftermath of the game left considerable discussions surrounding officiation. Dillingham’s reaction to the targeting non-call reflected the frustration felt by the entire Sun Devils' organization. On social media, players like Xavion Alford expressed support for their coach, emphasizing their commitment to returning stronger next season. Alford tweeted, "LOVE THIS MAN TO DEATH. FOREVER RIDING WITH HIM. ALWAYS HAS MY BACK NO MATTER CIRCUMSTANCES."
Texas coach Sarkisian also highlighted his squad's preparation as the key to their success. “Preparation is everything, and our coaches did a great job,” he noted. This emphasis on the groundwork laid even before the game highlights how integral strategy is to football.
With this victory, Texas advances to the College Football Playoff Semifinal against Ohio State, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting encounter. Both teams took lessons from this Peach Bowl encounter, marking it as both significant and memorable for their respective programs.
The long-term impacts of specific calls, trust within coaching decisions, and the physicality of play shed light on the emotional intensity surrounding college football. The Texas versus Arizona State matchup will certainly be remembered not only for its thrilling finish but also for how much was left on the field.