Arizona State is gearing up for a thrilling challenge as they face off against the fifth-seeded Texas Longhorns in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day. With the game kicking off at 1 pm ET on ESPN, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Sun Devils, fresh off their Big 12 championship victory, are looking to pull off an upset against a Texas team that has been making waves all season.
Texas Longhorns: The Heavy Favorites
Despite Arizona State’s recent success, the Longhorns enter the matchup as 12.5-point favorites. They currently hold the best odds among the remaining eight teams in the College Football Playoff (CFP) to win the national championship, sitting at +310 according to FanDuel Sportsbook. This puts a significant amount of pressure on the Sun Devils, who are no strangers to tough competition.
Arizona State’s Momentum
The Sun Devils are riding high after winning eight of their last nine games, including a commanding 45-19 victory over No. 16 Iowa State to secure the Big 12 title. This momentum is crucial as they prepare to face a Texas team that boasts a deep and talented roster. Momentum in sports is often likened to the wind—it’s not always visible, but its effects can be profoundly felt. Arizona State has that momentum, and it could play a pivotal role in their performance against the Longhorns.
Tim Tebow’s Take on the Matchup
Former college football star Tim Tebow has weighed in on the matchup, acknowledging Arizona State’s recent success while expressing skepticism about their chances against Texas. “I think Arizona State deserves a lot of credit. There’s something very real to anyone that’s played sports about momentum, and they’ve had a lot of momentum over the last few weeks,” Tebow said. However, he also pointed out that Texas has a more elite roster. “Top to bottom, I think Texas’ roster is very elite,” he added, highlighting the depth and talent of the Longhorns’ lineup.
Quarterback Showdown: A Tale of Two Teams
As the teams prepare for battle, the quarterback play will be under the spotlight. Texas will feature a dynamic duo of five-star quarterbacks in Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. In contrast, Arizona State will rely on redshirt freshman Sam Leavitt, a four-star transfer from Michigan State. This difference in experience and pedigree could be a significant factor in the game.
Key Players to Watch
While Leavitt will be tasked with leading the Sun Devils, he won’t be alone. Arizona State will look to senior running back Cam Skattebo, who has been a force this season, ranking second in the Big 12 with 1,568 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. However, Tebow cautions that the Longhorns will likely focus on shutting down Skattebo, making it essential for other players to step up.
“Can they make the plays through the air against one-on-one, man coverage? If you can, I think they’ll have a chance to compete in this game,” Tebow stated. This emphasizes the need for Arizona State’s unheralded receiving corps to elevate their game, especially after the season-ending injury to leading pass catcher Jordyn Tyson, who had 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
Finding the X-Factor
Tebow believes that the key to an Arizona State upset lies in the performance of their receivers. “I think you’re going to have to have a few guys that step up, specifically at the receiver position, to give them a chance,” he explained. The Sun Devils have shown that they can adapt, as evidenced by their conference championship game performance, where several key receivers were sidelined. This adaptability will be crucial as they face a formidable Texas defense.
The Road Ahead: A Challenging Path
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both teams are preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating contest. Arizona State will need to rely on their momentum, creativity, and teamwork to overcome the odds stacked against them. Meanwhile, Texas will look to assert their dominance and prove why they are the favorites in this matchup.
In the world of college football, anything can happen. The thrill of the game lies in its unpredictability. Will Arizona State’s momentum carry them through, or will Texas’s depth and talent prevail? As fans gear up for this exciting clash, one thing is certain: the Peach Bowl will be a battle to remember.
