Texas defeats Arizona State 39-31 in 2OT thriller, advancing to CFP semifinals

The Longhorns have punched their ticket to the CFP semifinals, holding off Arizona State’s furious comeback attempt. Texas safety Andrew Mukuba sealed the win, picking off Sun Devil quarterback Sam Leavitt in the second half of double overtime. 

Quinn Ewers and company will meet the Oregon vs. Ohio State winner on Friday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET in the Cotton Bowl. 

Texas jumped out to a 14-3 lead midway through the first quarter, on pace to cruise to a Peach Bowl win. It only took Quinn Ewers two passes to find the end zone on the Longhorns’ first drive, and Texas returned a punt 75 yards a minute later. 

The Sun Devils out-gained Texas in the first half and more than doubled the Longhorns in time of possession. But Arizona State was stopped on two fourth-down conversions in Texas territory, failing to convert many scoring opportunities. The Longhorns capped off the first half by blocking the Sun Devil’s field goal attempt with seconds remaining, carrying a 17-3 lead into the break. 

Momentum shifted when ASU forced a safety midway through the third quarter and converted a field goal on the ensuing possession. Still, Arizona State trailed by 16 with under seven minutes to play, but Cam Skattebo put the Sun Devils on his back, throwing for a 42-yard touchdown and rushing for another to tie the game. 

Texas kicker Bert Auburn missed two field goals in the final three minutes, including a doink off the left upright which would’ve won the game in regulation. 

It took a 4th and 13 touchdown pass between Ewers and receiver Matthew Golden for the Longhorns to force a second overtime. But Steve Sarkisian’s squad took control in 2OT, scoring on the first play and turning all of the pressure to the Sun Devils.

Ewers finished with 322 yards, four total touchdowns and an interception. Wideout Matthew Golden had a breakout day, tallying 149 receiving yards on just seven catches and a score. 

However, even in a loss, the best player on the field was Skattebo. The bully-ball running back racked up 143 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards and 42 passing yards for the Sun Devils. It was an incredible performance against one of the nation’s top-ranked defenses that will not be soon forgotten. 

Arizona State ends the season 11-3 and Big 12 champions after being picked to finish dead last in the Big 12 media poll. Texas awaits the Rose Bowl winner for a spot in the CFP national championship game.