Urban Meyer has made his pick for the upcoming College Football Playoff quarterfinals, opting for the Texas Longhorns over the Arizona State Sun Devils. This decision comes on the heels of Texas’ impressive 38-24 victory against Clemson, which showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball.
Why Texas Stands Out
Meyer believes that the key to Texas’ success lies in their strength at the line of scrimmage. “It’s going to start with the big uglies up front,” he stated emphatically on The Triple Option. He recalled his own championship experiences, saying, “We won three national titles, and the reason we won is the line of scrimmage.” In high-stakes games, he argues, the skill sets of players often begin to level out, making the performance of the offensive and defensive lines crucial.
He further elaborated, “Texas up front, offense, defense, I think they cover the spread. And I think I’m looking at Texas right now, if they can get that quarterback healthy, you know, what other team has more balance of offensive and defensive line than University of Texas right now?” This perspective underscores the importance of a strong foundation in college football, especially as the competition intensifies.
Arizona State’s Underdog Story
Despite Meyer’s confidence in Texas, he acknowledges Arizona State’s impressive journey. The Sun Devils have exceeded expectations this season, particularly after winning the Big 12 Championship against Iowa State. They come into this matchup with a bye week, which could give them an edge in preparation.
Meyer commended ASU’s exciting offense and tenacious defense, but he ultimately believes they are facing a formidable opponent. “They proved it against Clemson,” he said of Texas. “They just controlled, they screwed around a little bit, that game could have got out of hand fast, but they ran the ball up and down against the Clemson rushers. So I got Texas covering the spread here.”
Respect for Arizona State
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is well aware of the challenge that Arizona State presents. He expressed deep respect for the Sun Devils and their head coach, Kenny Dillingham. “We obviously have a ton of respect for Arizona State and the job Coach Dillingham has done. They’re a very good football team,” Sarkisian noted.
Winning the Big 12 is no small feat, especially in their first year in the conference. Sarkisian highlighted ASU’s impressive turnover margin, stating, “They’re plus 14 in the turnover margin with only eight turnovers, and they’ve created, I believe, 22 turnovers defensively.” This statistic showcases their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes while maintaining control of the ball.
Key Players to Watch
One player that has caught Sarkisian’s eye is Cam Skattebo. “He’s got a ton of fans in our building, I can tell you that,” Sarkisian remarked. The Texas coach has been keeping an eye on Skattebo for over a year and is aware of the threat he poses. “This guy is a monster, and now we’ve got to try to figure out a way to stop him,” he added, emphasizing the challenge of containing such a dynamic player.
The matchup promises to be thrilling, with Texas’ balanced attack facing off against Arizona State’s explosive offense. Can the Sun Devils rise to the occasion, or will the Longhorns continue their march through the playoffs?
The Road Ahead
As the College Football Playoff quarterfinals approach, both teams will be looking to assert their dominance. Texas, with their recent victory and strong lines, seems poised to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Arizona State will be eager to prove that they are more than just an underdog story.
With the stakes high and the excitement palpable, fans are in for a treat. Will Texas live up to Meyer’s expectations, or will Arizona State pull off an upset? The answers will unfold on the field, and college football enthusiasts are counting down the days to this electrifying showdown.
In the end, it’s not just about the players or the coaches; it’s about the passion, the pride, and the relentless pursuit of victory that defines college football. As teams prepare for battle, one thing is certain: the spirit of competition will shine brightly in this thrilling playoff matchup.
