Texas Dominant Defense, Arizona State Rested and Ready with High-Energy Attack

Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

The Texas Longhorns and Arizona State Sun Devils will meet in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marking one of the most anticipated matchups of the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals. With Texas favored by 12.5 points, fans and analysts are eagerly predicting the outcome of this high-stakes game set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET. Both teams come in with impressive records—Texas at 12-2 and Arizona State at 11-2—and each side has shown its own strengths this season. But who will prevail? Let’s break down the stats, key players, and strategies to help make a prediction for the Peach Bowl 2025.

Texas Longhorns: Stifling Defense and Efficient Offense

The Texas Longhorns come into this Peach Bowl matchup after a solid victory in the first round of the College Football Playoff, where they defeated Clemson 38-24. The Longhorns dominated on the ground, rushing for 292 yards on 48 carries, while quarterback Quinn Ewers was efficient, throwing for 202 yards on 17 completions. Texas’ defense was equally impressive, limiting Clemson to just 76 yards on the ground and forcing the Tigers to convert only 4 out of 15 third and fourth downs.

Ewers has had a standout season for the Longhorns, accumulating 2,867 passing yards with a 26:10 TD:INT ratio. His connection with top receivers Matthew Golden (49 catches for 787 yards and 8 TDs) and Gunnar Helm (55 receptions for 688 yards and 6 TDs) has been a key factor in the team’s offensive success. On the ground, Texas boasts two dynamic running backs, Quintrevion Wisner (973 yards, 5 TDs) and Jaydon Blue (710 yards, 8 TDs), who will be pivotal in controlling the tempo against Arizona State’s defense.

Texas averages 33.9 points per game (25th in FBS) and 448.9 total yards (17th in FBS), including 275.4 passing yards per game (20th) and 173.5 rushing yards (53rd). Their defense has been suffocating all season, ranking 2nd in the nation in points allowed (13.3 per game) and 3rd in total yards allowed (261.4). Texas is also strong in turnover margin, leading the nation with 29 forced turnovers.

Arizona State Sun Devils: A Rested, High-Energy Offense

Arizona State comes into the Peach Bowl well-rested after clinching the Big 12 Championship with an impressive 45-19 victory over Iowa State. Led by quarterback Sam Leavitt, who has thrown for 2,663 yards and a 24:5 TD:INT ratio, the Sun Devils’ offense has been dynamic this season. Leavitt also brings mobility to the table, rushing for 383 yards and five touchdowns, making him a dual-threat quarterback to keep an eye on.

The Sun Devils lost top receiver Jordyn Tyson to injury in late November, but they’ve managed to keep their passing game intact with contributions from Xavier Guillory (320 yards, 5 TDs), Chamon Metayer (290 yards, 5 TDs), and Melquan Stovall (253 yards, 3 TDs). However, the real driving force for Arizona State has been running back Cam Skattebo, who has amassed 1,568 rushing yards, 506 receiving yards, and 22 total touchdowns this season. His ability to control the ground game will be crucial in this contest.

Arizona State averages 33.1 points per game (31st in FBS) and 423.2 total yards (40th in FBS), with 224.4 passing yards (71st) and 198.8 rushing yards (25th). They are also highly efficient on third down, converting 46.5% of their attempts (14th in FBS). While Arizona State’s defense has been solid, allowing 21.3 points per game and 333.2 total yards per game, they will need to step up against a Texas offense that ranks among the nation’s best.

Conclusion

In this high-stakes Peach Bowl battle, the game will likely come down to Texas’ ability to stifle Arizona State’s dual-threat offense and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Arizona State’s offense, led by Leavitt and Skattebo, will need to execute on the ground and in the air, with Leavitt’s dual-threat ability being a key to their success. The Longhorns’ defense, ranked 2nd in the nation in points allowed, will be looking to contain the Sun Devils’ rushing attack while forcing turnovers.

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