Texas narrowly escaped a significant upset, defeating Arizona State 39-31 in a thrilling double overtime match during the Peach Bowl.

Texas narrowly escaped a significant upset in the College Football Playoff, executing a crucial fourth-and-long touchdown pass that extended the game and ultimately triumphed over Cam Skattebo and Arizona State with a score of 39-31 in double overtime. The contest concluded dramatically when Andrew Mukuba intercepted a pass, sealing the victory in what was a thrilling Peach Bowl quarterfinal. Skattebo orchestrated a remarkable comeback for the Sun Devils, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter and giving his team its first lead of the day with a 3-yard touchdown run to initiate overtime against the fourth-ranked Texas (13-2). Arizona State, ranked tenth and considered a two-touchdown underdog by Sportsbook, appeared poised for victory when Texas faced a daunting fourth-and-13 during its initial overtime drive. However, Quinn Ewers connected with Matthew Golden, who evaded two defenders to secure a 28-yard touchdown. Following a shift to the opposite end of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Ewers promptly delivered a 25-yard touchdown pass to Gunnar Helms on the next play, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to Golden. The Longhorns ultimately secured their win when Mukuba intercepted a pass from Sam Leavitt at the 3-yard line, concluding the game. 

“We know how to fight,” stated Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron. After a series of one-sided outcomes in the initial five games of the expanded 12-team playoff, this format finally yielded an unforgettable contest, propelling Texas into a Cotton Bowl semifinal against either No. 1 Oregon or No. 6 Ohio State, who were competing in the Rose Bowl on Wednesday. Despite being outperformed statistically for much of the game, the Longhorns had established a seemingly secure 24-8 lead after scoring two early touchdowns and a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Ewers with just over ten minutes left in regulation.

Skattebo and the Sun Devils were merely beginning to find their rhythm. The running back, who confidently claims to be the best in the nation, delivered an extraordinary performance that showcased every aspect of his versatile skill set. Initially, he executed a pitch on fourth-and-2, launching a 42-yard touchdown pass to Malik McClain, which provided the Sun Devils with a crucial opportunity following a successful 2-point conversion. Subsequently, Skattebo sprinted down the sideline, catching a 62-yard pass from Leavitt—his helmet being dislodged at the conclusion of the play, seemingly the only method to halt his momentum. This set the stage for a 2-yard touchdown run by the formidable back, who fittingly also powered through for the 2-point conversion, leveling the score at 24 with five minutes left in the game. Texas had two opportunities to secure victory in regulation; however, Bert Auburn missed a 48-yard field goal attempt to the right and struck the left upright on a 38-yard attempt as time expired. "It felt like I was watching March Madness," remarked Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, "with all the momentum shifts occurring." After Arizona State opened the scoring with a field goal, Texas quickly seized the lead in just two plays. Ewers connected with Golden for a 54-yard gain, followed by a 23-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. 

On both occasions, the Longhorns targeted Montana Warren, who was starting in place of Shamari Simmons, as the Sun Devils' star was sidelined for the first half due to a targeting penalty in the Big 12 championship game. Arizona State then went three-and-out, allowing Silas Bolden to return the punt for 75 yards, resulting in another touchdown for Texas. Having only taken two snaps, the Longhorns established a 14-3 advantage. However, any expectations of a repeat blowout in the College Football Playoff diminished as Texas struggled to subdue the Sun Devils, one of the most unexpected teams this season after finishing 3-9 the previous year and remaining largely under the radar until late in the season. By the final minute of the third quarter, Texas held a 17-8 lead, despite Arizona State dominating with a 303-128 yardage advantage.

Ewers passed for 322 yards, while Golden recorded seven receptions totaling 149 yards. "I never doubted our resilience," stated Sarkisian. "When faced with adversity, we consistently respond, and we encountered it several times this evening." The key takeaways for Texas indicate that, despite the lack of aesthetic appeal, Sarkisian was justified in acknowledging the Longhorns' resilience. This situation also offers the coaching staff numerous opportunities for instruction, as it is challenging to envision Texas securing two additional victories—and a national championship—without notable enhancements. For Arizona State, the Sun Devils will lament the opportunities they missed prior to the fourth quarter. They were halted on fourth down three times within Texas territory, and the Longhorns successfully blocked a 36-yard field goal attempt just before halftime. Nevertheless, this performance is likely to elevate ASU's national standing and instill a belief in coach Kenny Dillingham's program that it can compete among the elite teams in the country. 

Looking ahead, Texas will have the opportunity to participate in a de facto home game at the Cotton Bowl semifinal in Arlington, Texas, on January 10. Arizona State aims to capitalize on its impressive turnaround, starting with the 2025 season opener against Northern Arizona on August 30.