The excitement is palpable as the 2025 College Football Playoff quarterfinals roll on this week! The spotlight is on the Peach Bowl, where No. 5 Texas is set to clash with No. 4 Arizona State. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing two teams with compelling stories and impressive performances throughout the season.
Texas Longhorns: A Season of Resilience
The Texas Longhorns have had a remarkable journey this season. They finished the regular season with only one loss, which came against the formidable Georgia Bulldogs. This setback didn’t deter them; instead, it propelled them to the SEC title game. In a nail-biting overtime showdown, Texas fought valiantly but fell short, losing 22-19 to Georgia. Despite this loss, their overall performance has been commendable, earning them a coveted spot in the playoffs.
Leading the charge for Texas is quarterback Quinn Ewers. With an impressive 2,867 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, Ewers has proven to be a pivotal player for the Longhorns. Additionally, running back Quintrevion Wisner has been a force on the ground, ranking third in the SEC with 973 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The Longhorns’ offense has been potent, ranking ninth overall in offensive SP+ after the first round of the playoffs.
Arizona State: From Underdogs to Contenders
On the other side of the field, the Arizona State Sun Devils have transformed their fortunes dramatically. After a disappointing 3-9 season last year, they began this season with a 5-2 record, albeit with road losses to Texas Tech and Cincinnati. However, mid-November marked a turning point for ASU. The Sun Devils stunned the college football world with back-to-back victories over ranked opponents, Kansas State and BYU, finishing the month with an incredible 5-0 record.
Their crowning achievement came in the Big 12 title game, where they dominated a 10-win Iowa State team, winning 45-19. This victory not only secured them a first-round bye but also marked their first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff. Talk about a turnaround!
Key Players to Watch
When it comes to Arizona State, all eyes will be on running back Cam Skatteboo. This senior standout has been a revelation, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. With a career-high 1,538 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns this season, Skatteboo is a key player to watch. The Sun Devils have also benefited from the strong arm of quarterback Sam Leavitt, who has thrown for 2,663 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Together, they form a formidable offensive duo.
Coaching Journeys: A Tale of Two Coaches
The contrasting paths of the two head coaches add another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham, a proud alum of ASU, is in just his second season as head coach. At only 34 years old, he has already made a significant impact, turning around a program that many predicted would finish at the bottom of the Big 12.
In contrast, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has a wealth of experience. His coaching journey began in the early 2000s, and after stints as an assistant and head coach at various programs, he found himself at Texas in 2021. Having led the Longhorns to a playoff berth last season, Sarkisian is eager to build on that success and guide his team further in this year’s playoff.
Game Day Information
As the anticipation builds for this exciting matchup, here’s everything you need to know:
Texas vs. Arizona State Start Time:
- Day: Jan. 1, 2025
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, a venue that has hosted countless thrilling moments in college football history.
How to Watch
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in on ESPN. For those who prefer streaming, options include ESPN+ and Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users. Make sure you don’t miss out on this electrifying matchup!
Live Scoring Updates and Highlights
The Sporting News will be tracking live scoring updates and highlights as Texas and Arizona State face off in the quarterfinals. Follow along for all the action and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.
Upcoming College Football Playoff Schedule
As we gear up for the Peach Bowl, here’s a look at the upcoming playoff schedule:
Tuesday, Dec. 31
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Penn State vs. Boise State | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
Wednesday, Jan. 1
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| Texas vs. Arizona State | 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| Ohio State vs. Oregon | 5 p.m. | ESPN |
| Notre Dame vs. Georgia | 8:45 p.m. | ESPN |
The excitement surrounding the College Football Playoff is at an all-time high, and the showdown between Texas and Arizona State is sure to deliver thrills, drama, and unforgettable moments. Who will emerge victorious and advance to the semifinals? Only time will tell!
