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Texas vs Arizona State final score: Highlights from Longhorns' CFP quarterfinal win

Craig Meyer   Paste BN NETWORK
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After a five-game wait, the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff did more than produce an enticing contest. It delivered a classic.

Texas withstood a furious late comeback from Arizona State to earn a 39-31 double-overtime victory Wednesday in the Peach Bowl in the playoff quarterfinals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The Longhorns and the Sun Devils had controlled the game for much of the afternoon, taking a 14-3 lead in the opening eight minutes of the first quarter, holding a 17-3 advantage at halftime and carrying a 16-point cushion with seven minutes remaining.

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From there, however, Arizona State rallied, getting two touchdowns and two 2-point conversions in just 91 seconds to tie the game with five minutes remaining. A pair of missed field goals from Texas' Bert Auburn, including a 38-yarder that hit off the left upright as time expired, took the game to overtime, where the Longhorns were ultimately able to prevail in the second overtime behind a Quinn Ewers touchdown pass to Gunnar Helm and an Andrew Mukuba interception off Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt on the ensuing possession.

With the win, Texas advances to take on either No. 1 seed Oregon or No. 8 seed Ohio State in the semifinals at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10.

The Longhorns came away with the win despite being outgained by a 510-375 margin. Ewers completed 20 of his 30 passes for 322 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, along with a rushing touchdown. Matthew Golden was his best and most productive target, catching seven passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.

Though it came in a losing effort, Cam Skattebo turned in a Herculean performance for Arizona State, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns, catching eight passes for 99 yards and even throwing a 42-yard touchdown pass.

Coach Steve Sarkisian's Texas team, the No. 5 seed in the playoff and the SEC runner-up, followed up on a strong regular season with a 38-24 victory against 12 seed Clemson in the first round of the playoff on Dec. 21. The Longhorns did much of their damage on the ground in the win, with Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner combining for 256 yards and four touchdowns.

Arizona State, meanwhile, earned the No. 4 seed to the playoff and a coveted first-round bye with a 45-19 thrashing of Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game, delivering a conference title to a Sun Devils squad picked to finish last in the league entering coach Kenny Dillingham's second season. Skattebo, who finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, has paced Arizona State this season, with 2,074 yards from scrimmage and 22 touchdowns.

The playoff quarterfinals marked just the second-ever meeting between the two programs.

Here's the score, updates, highlights and more from Texas' victory against Arizona State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals:

REQUIRED READING: Texas escapes Arizona State in overtime of Peach Bowl to reach College Football Playoff semifinals

Texas vs Arizona State score updates

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REQUIRED READING: Texas football can ride its old-school throwback defense to a CFP championship | Golden

Texas football vs Arizona State live updates

Final: Texas 39, Arizona State 31

Sam Leavitt interception ends game

On a third-and-8 from the Texas 10-yard line, Sam Leavitt tries to connect with Melquan Stovall, but Andrew Mukuba jumps in front of Stovall to come down with the ball for a game-ending interception.

The Longhorns secure the 39-31 victory and will move on to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they'll play against the winner of the Rose Bowl between Oregon and Ohio State.

Quinn Ewers TD pass gives Texas lead

On the first play of the second overtime, Quinn Ewers connects with Gunnar Helm for a 25-yard touchdown. The subsequent 2-point conversion is successful, giving Texas a 39-31 lead.

Overtime: Arizona State 31, Texas 31

Texas evens it up on fourth down heave

Texas' collapse appeared to be reaching a stunning conclusion, but the Longhorns had at least one more trick up their sleeve.

On a fourth-and-13 from the Arizona State 28-yard line, Quinn Ewers floats it over the Sun Devils defense to a wide-open Matthew Golden for a touchdown that, with a Bert Auburn extra point, ties it up and sends it to a second overtime.

From here, both teams will need to go for a 2-point conversion after a touchdown.

Cam Skattebo plows into end zone for TD

Arizona State makes the most of its possession in the first overtime, with Sam Leavitt scrambling for a first down on third-and-15. The next play, Cam Skattebo is met by a Texas defensive lineman, but fights through it and is carried into the end zone by one of his offensive linemen for a 3-yard touchdown.

With the extra point, Arizona State is up 31-24. Texas needs a touchdown to continue the game.

End of fourth quarter: Texas 24, Arizona State 24

Texas FG doinks off upright, sending game to OT

For the second time in the final two minutes, Bert Auburn misses what would have been a go-ahead field goal for Texas.

The second of those is even more painful for Texas, with it coming from just 38 yards with two seconds remaining. The kick originally looked to be heading in, but it trailed to the left at the very end and doinked off the left upright. Auburn had been 41 of 45 on kicks between 20 and 39 yards during his college career.

Off to overtime we go.

Arizona State punts after no-call on targeting

The Sun Devils punt after failing to convert on a 3rd-and-15. For a moment, it looked as though they may maintain possession because of a potential targeting call on Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe, but after a video review, the officials determined that it wasn't targeting.

Arizona State's 32-yard punt downs Texas at its own 20-yard line with 57 seconds left.

Texas misses FG, Arizona State gets ball with chance to take lead

Texas had a chance to take the lead, but the normally reliable right leg of Bert Auburn doesn't come through for the Longhorns.

Quinn Ewers helped guide Texas down to the Arizona State 30-yard line, but Auburn's 48-yard attempt sails wide right, giving Arizona State the ball with 1:39 remaining.

Cam Skattebo TD, 2-point conversion tie game

Somehow, someway, we've got a tie ballgame.

In just 91 seconds, Arizona State has erased a 16-point deficit. After a touchdown and 2-point conversion on their previous drive, and after intercepting Ewers to end Texas' ensuing drive, the Sun Devils go 79 yards in three plays, buoyed largely by a 62-yard pass from Sam Leavitt to Cam Skattebo.

Three plays later, and on a first-and-goal, Skattebo barrels into the end zone for a 2-yard score. Arizona State initially failed to get the 2-point conversion, but a holding penalty on Texas gave it another chance. The Sun Devils made the most of it, with Skattebo running it across the goal line to tie the game with five minutes remaining.

Quinn Ewers interception gives Arizona State ball back

Not only is Arizona State now within a score, but they've got the ball back.

On the second play of its drive, Texas goes for a deep shot to Isaiah Bond, but Quinn Ewers' pass hangs in the air for just a little bit too long, with Javan Robinson moving inside to pick off Ewers' throw.

The Sun Devils will take over at their own 21-yard line with 5:37 left.

Cam Skattebo TD pass on trick play cuts Texas lead in half

And just like that, we've got a one-score game.

On a fourth-and-2 from the Texas 42-yard line, Skattebo takes a pitch and rather than run it, he tosses a pass that hangs in the air for about 40 yards, is caught by Malik McClain and brought into the end zone for a 42-yard touchdown. With a successful 2-point conversion, Arizona State is down by eight, 24-16, with 6:29 remaining.

Buckle up, folks.

Quinn Ewers TD run pushes Texas lead to 16

Just when Arizona State generated some momentum, Texas strikes back.

Following the Sun Devils' field goal, the Longhorns march 76 yards up the field in 13 plays while draining 5:23 off the clock. The possession is finished off by a 5-yard touchdown run from Quinn Ewers on a scramble.

Texas had converted on a pair of third downs on the drive, including a beautiful throw from Ewers to Matthew Golden for a 29-yard gain on third-and-10. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian opts for the extra point to stretch his team's lead to 24-8 with 10:17 remaining, though a 2-point conversion would have stretched Texas' lead to three possessions.

End of third quarter: Texas 17, Arizona State 8

Arizona State cuts into deficit with FG

Keyed largely by a 33-yard run from Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils march all the way down to the Texas 12-yard line on their drive after the safety. From there, however, they were gradually sent back, with a pair of negative plays and a 4-yard sack of Sam Leavitt knocking them all the way back to the Texas 19.

From there, Carston Kieffer knocks home a 36-yard field goal, trimming the Longhorns' lead to 17-8 with under one minute remaining in the third quarter.

Arizona State gets a safety

As it turns out, the Sun Devils' march up the field resulted in some points. Just not from their offense.

On a first-and-10 from his team's 2-yard line, Texas' Quintrevion Wisner takes a handoff and is met immediately by Arizona State defensive back Shamari Simmons, who gets a helmet on the ball and pops it back to Quinn Ewers, who is brought down in the end zone for a safety. Simmons had been suspended for the first half of the game after being called for targeting in the second half of the Big 12 championship game.

The Longhorns' lead has been trimmed to 17-5, with the Sun Devils getting the ball back.

Arizona State stuffed on fourth and goal

The Sun Devils have been able to piece together productive drives in the Peach Bowl, but since their opening possession, they haven't ended in points.

On its first drive of the second half, Arizona State seemed poised to cut into its 14-point deficit, getting all the way down to the Texas 2-yard line. After Sam Leavitt was stopped for no gain on third down, the Sun Devils went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2, but Cam Skattebo was met by a barrage of tacklers, getting hit at the 5-yard line and getting stopped well short of the goal line.

Texas takes over at its own 2 with 7:43 remaining. Three Arizona State drives have ended on turnovers on downs, all of which got inside the Longhorns' 40.

Texas punts on opening drive

Quinn Ewers is dropped for an 8-yard sack on the first play of the opening possession for Texas, putting the Longhorns behind the metaphorical eight ball and ultimately forcing them to punt, with Arizona State taking over at its own 38-yard line.

Some more bad news for Texas came on an unsuccessful third down attempt, with offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr., one of the best players at his position nationally, walking gingerly off the field.

Texas vs Arizona State halftime stats

Here's a look at where things stand statistically at halftime between Texas and Arizona State in the Peach Bowl:

  • Total yards: Arizona State 178, Texas 133
  • Pass yards: Arizona State 131, Texas 114
  • Rush yards: Arizona State 47, Texas 19
  • Yards per rush: Arizona State 2.5, Texas 1.7
  • Yards per play: Texas 6.3, Arizona State 3.8
  • First downs: Arizona State 12, Texas 6
  • Third downs: Arizona State 5-13, Texas 1-5
  • Fourth downs: Texas 1-1, Arizona State 1-3
  • Penalties: Arizona State 2-20, Texas 3-30
  • Sacks: Texas 2, Arizona State 1

And here's a look at some of the individual performances thus far in Atlanta:

Texas

  • Quinn Ewers: 6-10,114 yards, 1 TD
  • Quintrevion Wisner: 6 carries, 14 yards; 2 catches, 26 yards
  • Matthew Golden: 3 catches, 65 yards
  • DeAndre Moore: 1 catch, 23 yards, 1 TD
  • Trey Moore: 2 sacks

Arizona State

  • Sam Leavitt: 15-27, 99 yards
  • Cam Skattebo: 13 carries, 45 yards; 3 catches, 9 yards
  • Jordan Crook: 1.5 tackles for loss

Halftime: Texas 17, Arizona State 3

Arizona State FG blocked

Texas will carry a 14-point lead into halftime after the Longhorns block a 36-yard field goal attempt from Arizona State's Carston Kieffer. Edge rusher Ethan Burke was able to get his hand on it for Texas.

Arizona State fake punt keeps possession alive

Texas appeared as though it was about to get two minutes to extend its lead in the Peach Bowl. Arizona State had other ideas.

On a fourth-and-9 from its own 21-yard line, Sun Devils punter Kanyon Floyd drifted to his right behind his blockers and found open Blazen Lono-Wong, a 285-pound defensive lineman, for a 32-yard gain. It's Arizona State's longest pickup of the day, getting it down to the Texas 47.

Texas forced to punt

The Longhorns aren't able to capitalize on the fourth-down stop, going three-and-out and punting it away to Arizona State. The 57-yard kick bounces into the end zone for a touchback, with the Sun Devils taking over at their own 20-yard line with three minutes left in the half.

Sam Leavitt sacked on fourth down

Another encouraging drive from Arizona State comes up empty.

The Sun Devils get down to the Texas 34-yard line and instead of kicking a 52-yard field goal to remain down by two scores, they go for it on fourth-and-10. Sam Leavitt, however, is sacked for a 4-yard loss. The Longhorns only have one sack, but have been getting constant pressure on the Arizona State quarterback.

Texas FG pushes lead to two 14

Texas appeared to be poised for another touchdown, but the Longhorns stall out after getting inside the Arizona State 10-yard line, with Quinn Ewers unable to connect with Matthew Golden on a third-and-goal from the Sun Devils' 4. Still, a 22-yard Bert Auburn field goal is good, putting Texas up 17-3 with 8:55 left in the first half.

Cam Skattebo stuffed on fourth down

Arizona State mounts a promising drive, getting all the way down to the Texas 25-yard line, but the Sun Devils don't get any farther.

Facing a fourth-and-2, coach Kenny Dillingham opts to go for it rather than attempt a 43-yard field goal. Cam Skattebo, however, is tackled after just a 1-yard gain, putting him well short of the sticks and giving Texas the ball back and an 11-point lead in the opening minute of the second quarter.

Skattebo had just 26 yards on nine carries this afternoon, an average of 2.9 yards per touch.

End of first quarter: Texas 14, Arizona State 3

Texas punts

The Longhorns are mortal, after all. After its explosive start, Texas goes three-and-out after Quinn Ewers is sacked for a 6-yard loss on first down. An 8-yard punt return gives Arizona State the ball at its own 31-yard line.

Arizona State punts

The Sun Devils haven't been able to generate much of anything since the opening drive, with two total yards between their past two possessions. The second of those ends with Sam Leavitt escaping pressure, but unable to hit an open receiver for a first down. Arizona State punts, with Texas starting its next drive at its own 30-yard line after a holding call on the punt return.

Texas extends lead with Silas Bolden punt return TD

The Longhorns' ruthless efficiency with the ball continues. This time, they didn't even need to run an offensive play.

After forcing a punt on Arizona State's second drive, Texas got the ball back and wasted no time scoring again. Silas Bolden collected the 48-yard punt at his team's own 25-yard line, broke past the initial tackler, got some timely blocks and let his speed to the rest, darting 75 yards for a touchdown for a 14-3 lead.

Despite running just two offensive plays, the Longhorns have 14 points not even eight minutes into the game.

Texas takes lead with Quinn Ewers TD

Arizona State's lead didn't last long.

After taking over at its own 23-yard line following the kickoff, Texas goes 77 yards in just two plays for a touchdown. First, Quinn Ewers found Matthew Golden cutting across the middle for a 54-yard gain on Texas' first offensive play from scrimmage. Immediately after that, Ewers connects with DeAndre Moore for a 23-yard score that, with an extra point, gives the Longhorns a 7-3 lead.

Arizona State gets FG on opening drive

The Sun Devils entered the game as a 10.5-point underdog, but they're able to strike first.

Led by Cam Skattebo and some timely plays from Sam Leavitt, Arizona State goes 58 yards in nine plays, with Carston Kieffer making a 39-yard field goal to get his team on the board.

The Sun Devils had originally punted, but the Longhorns were whistled for running into the kicker, giving Arizona State a first down. It was one of two penalties on Texas that gave Arizona State 18 yards.

Pregame

College GameDay picks for Texas vs Arizona State

ESPN's "College GameDay" crew, broadcasting from inside the Rose Bowl ahead of Oregon's playoff quarterfinal game against Ohio State, made picks Texas vs. Arizona State.

Here's who each member of the panel picked:

  • Desmond Howard: Texas
  • Nick Saban: Texas
  • Pat McAfee: Texas
  • Lee Corso: Texas
  • Kirk Herbstreit: Texas

Isaiah Bond injury update

Star Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond is expected to play today against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel.

He was taking part in warmups for the Longhorns while showing few signs of wear or pain.

Texas vs Arizona State time today

  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 1
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)

What channel is Texas vs Arizona State today?

The game between the Longhorns and Sun Devils will air on ESPN. Joe Tessitore (play-by-play) and Jesse Palmer (analyst) will be on the call, while Katie George and Taylor McGregor serve as sideline reporters.

Streaming options include the ESPN App and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Texas vs Arizona State history

  • Series record: Texas leads 1-0
  • Texas’ last win: 2007 (52-34)
  • Arizona State’s last win: N/A

REQUIRED READING: Next man up: Arizona State's Montana Warren set to start for Shamari Simmons against Texas

Texas vs Arizona State predictions

Texas vs Arizona State betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Dec. 29

  • Spread: Texas (-12.5)
  • Over/under: 51.5 points
  • Moneyline: Texas (-500) | Arizona State (+375)

Texas vs Arizona State injury updates

This section will be updated

Texas

Arizona State

  • WR Jordyn Tyson — out

Texas vs Arizona State weather update

According to the forecast from The Weather Channel, it will be mostly sunny on New Year's Day in Atlanta, with a few clouds, a high temperature of 52 degrees and winds to the northwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta has a retractable roof, meaning it's possible it could be opened to give the Peach Bowl more of an outdoor feel. Given the temperature, though, it will more than likely be closed.

Texas football schedule 2024

  • Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Colorado State (W, 52-0)
  • Saturday, Sept. 7: at No. 10 Michigan (W, 31-12)
  • Saturday, Sept. 14: vs. UTSA (W, 56-7)
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: vs. UL Monroe (W, 51-3)
  • Saturday, Sept. 28: vs. Mississippi State * (W, 35-13)
  • Saturday, Oct. 5: BYE
  • Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. No. 18 Oklahoma * (W, 34-3)
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: vs. No. 5 Georgia * (L, 30-15)
  • Saturday, Oct. 29: at No. 25 Vanderbilt * (W, 27-24)
  • Saturday, Nov. 2: BYE
  • Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Florida * (W, 49-24)
  • Saturday, Nov. 16: at Arkansas * (W, 20-10)
  • Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. Kentucky * (W, 31-14)
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: at No. 20 Texas A&M * (W, 17-7)
  • Saturday, Dec. 7 (SEC championship game): vs. No. 5 Georgia (L, 22-19 OT)
  • Saturday, Dec. 21: vs. No. 12 Clemson (W, 38-24) **
  • Wednesday, Jan. 1: vs. No. 4 Arizona State (Peach Bowl, CFP quarterfinal) **
  • Record: 12-2 overall, 7-1 in SEC play

* Denotes SEC game

** Denotes CFP seed

Arizona State football schedule 2024

  • Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Wyoming (W, 48-7)
  • Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Mississippi State (W, 30-23)
  • Thursday, Sept. 12: at Texas State (W, 31-28)
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: at Texas Tech* (L, 30-22)
  • Saturday, Oct. 5: vs. Kansas* (W, 35-31)
  • Friday, Oct. 11: vs. No. 17 Utah* (W, 27-19)
  • Saturday, Oct. 19: at Cincinnati* (L, 24-14)
  • Saturday, Nov. 2: at Oklahoma State* (W, 42-21)
  • Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. UCF* (W, 35-31)
  • Saturday, Nov. 16: at No. 19 Kansas State* (W, 24-14)
  • Saturday, Nov. 23: vs. No. 15 BYU* (W, 28-23)
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: at Arizona* (W, 49-7)
  • Saturday, Dec. 7: vs. No. 16 Iowa State* (W, 45-19)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 1: vs. No. 5 Texas (Peach Bowl, CFP quarterfinal) **
  • Record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12

* Denotes Big 12 game

** Denotes CFP seed

Texas football news

Arizona State football news

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