Texas holds off Arizona State in 2OT overcoming late collapse to advance to College Football Playoff semifinal

The Longhorns move on to the Cotton Bowl after toppling the Sun Devils in a classic CFP showdown

No. 5 seed Texas survived a furious rally from No. 4 seed Arizona State and edged the Sun Devils 39-31 in overtime of a wild Peach Bowl on Wednesday. With the win, the Longhorns now advance to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers found Gunnar Helm for a 25-yard touchdown on the first play of the second extra period. The Longhorns converted the mandatory 2-point conversion attempt and then came up with a defensive stop to keep their season alive as Andrew Mukuba intercepted a pass from Arizona State's Sam Leavitt.

The Longhorns led 24-8 midway through the fourth quarter before ASU staged a stunning rally behind the play of multi-faceted star Cam Skattebo, who made game-changing plays as a passer, runner and receiver in the final 7 minutes as Arizona State clawed back.

Still, the Longhorns had two field goal attempts in the final 2 minutes that would have given them the lead. Bert Auburn missed both, including one that clanged off the left upright as time expired, which sent the game to overtime.

Even after their stunning late-game collapse, the Longhorns found a way to win in overtime even after finding their back against the wall. Trailing 31-24 and needing to cover a fourth-and-13 to keep the game alive in the first overtime, Ewers hit Matthew Golden for a 28-yard touchdown to force the second overtime.

Texas will play the winner of Wednesday's Rose Bowl between (1) Oregon and (8) Oregon next Friday in the Cotton Bowl with a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship on the line.

CBS Sports will update story shortly with takeaways below. 

[Jan 1, 2025 at 5:42 pm ET · David Cobb]

Gutsy defensive effort

Arizona Sate finished with a 510-375 edge in total yards, but the Longhorns defense was forced to defend a whopping 97 plays as Arizona State dominated time of possession 37:54-22:06. Given how much time the Longhorns defense spent on the field, it actually performed well. During one stretch spanning parts of both halves, Arizona State made it to Texas territory on four straight possessions without scoring a single point.

On two occasions in regulation, Texas stuffed Skattebo on fourth-and-short carries. It wasn't until the Sun Devils busted out a trick play with under seven minutes remaining that Texas finally surrendered a touchdown. Then, an utterly gassed unit gave up a game-tying score after being put in a difficult position by an ugly Quinn Ewers interception. In the end, it was the Longhorns defense that clinched the game as cornerback Andrew Mukuba elevated for a game-clinching interception in the second overtime. Few defenses would have performed better under the same circumstances. While it wasn't a perfect effort, the Longhorns have their defense to thank for why they survived for a Peach Bowl victory.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 5:36 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas has offensive issues to correct

The health of Texas' starting offensive tackles will be an essential issue to monitor entering the Peach Bowl next week. Right tackle Cameron Williams did not play against Arizona State due to an ankle injury, and left tackle Kelvin Banks left the game in the third quarter due to injury. Though Banks did return, the Longhorns will need the projected first-round NFL Draft pick at full strength against either Oregon or Ohio State next week. Arizona State racked up eight tackles for loss on Texas and sacked Ewers three times while making the Longhorns one-dimensional. Running backs Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue totaled just 49 yards rushing on a combined 22 attempts. The longest run by any Texas player totaled 7 yards.

Regardless of whether Texas is playing the Buckeyes or Ducks, the level of opposing defensive talent will be higher next week, which should be concerning given how shaky the Longhorns looked against ASU. Between the final 5 minutes of regulation and overtime, Texas committed four false start penalties.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 5:27 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cam Skattebo's heroics

Cam Skattebo accounted for 257 yards in regulation as a passer, runner and receiver as he capped his college career with a legendary performance. Without his heroics, the Sun Devils would never have roared back to turn the game into an instant classic. The 215-pound back threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Malik McClain with 6:31 remaining to draw the Sun Devils within 24-16. Then, he made a 62-yard reception to set up his own 2-yard touchdown run just minutes later. To put the icing on the cake, Skattebo ran for a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 24, which was the score entering overtime.

In overtime, Skattebo surged in for a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Sun Devils ahead 31-24. Including his passing attempt and eight receptions, he finished with 39 touches and was clearly running on fumes. Skattebo was vomitting on the sideline in the second half and repeatedly came off the field to catch his breath as he willed the Sun Devils back from what seemed like an insurmountable deficit. Though the effort ultimately came in defeat, it sealed Skattebo's legacy as an Arizona State icon.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 5:09 pm ET · David Cobb]

Are you serious, Texas?

Quinn Ewers just found Matthew Golden for a 28-yard touchdown on fourth-and-13. Texas had to convert to keep the game alive. The Longhorns did more than just convert. They found pay dirt, and Bert Auburn secured a small measure of redemption by drilling the PAT to force a second overtime.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 5:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cam Skattebo puts Arizona State ahead

Arizona State has its first lead since it was 3-0 after a 3-yard touchdown run from Cam Skattebo, who got a significant bit of help from an offensive lineman, who picked him up and helped him finish the run. Sam Leavitt set up the score with a scramble drill run on third-and-14. Texas now has possession needing a touchdown and PAT to force a second OT.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 4:50 pm ET · David Cobb]

To overtime after Bert Auburn's second miss

Bert Auburn missed two field goals in the final two minutes that could have put Texas ahead. His second miss clanged off the left upright as time expired to send the Peach Bowl into overtime. The 38-yard kick looked like it was headed down the middle, but it turned hard to the left. Auburn keeled over in frustration as the Sun Devils' sideline erupted in joy with the game heading to overtime. The Sun Devils trailed 24-8 with 10 minutes remaining but somehow clawed their way back behind a legendary effort from running back Cam Skattebo.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 4:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Cam Skattebo's stardom grows

Late 4Q: Arizona State 24, Texas 24

Cam Skattebo made a 62-yard reception to set up his own 2-yard touchdown run, followed by a 2-point conversion run to tie this game at 24-24. It looked like the Sun Devils were down for the count at 24-8 with 10 minutes remaining. But on the back of Skattebo — and with the help of a bad Quinn Ewers interception — they've made a 16-point deficit disappear. Skattebo was vomitting on the sideline earlier in the half before rallying to account for his team's only two touchdowns of the game in the past seven minutes of game time. What a legendary performance from one of Arizona State's all-time greats.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 4:14 pm ET · David Cobb]

Bad interception from Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers just put way too much air under a deep shot intended for Isaiah Bond. That gave Arizona State's Javan Robinson time to run under it, and he picked it off to return possession to Arizona State. The Sun Devils now have the football down just eight points with plenty of time and two timeouts remaining. Texas had a chance to bleed some clock and squash the Sun Devils' momentum. Instead, they've relinquished it to ASU with the game hanging in the balance.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 4:08 pm ET · David Cobb]

Sun Devils not done

Did you think Cam Skattebo was only a rusher and occasional receiving threat out of the backfield? Well, think again. Arizona State's star back just showcased his arm with a 42-yard halfback pass to Malik McClain for a touchdown. The Sun Devils converted the 2-point play to draw within a possession at 24-16 with 6:31 remaining. The Sun Devils looked like they were about to tap out before that trick play TD gave them fresh life and added to the legend of Cam Skattebo.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 3:56 pm ET · David Cobb]

Quinn Ewers shows some mobility

Quinn Ewers isn't known as a particularly potent scramble threat. But he just used his legs in a pivotal moment to put the Longhorns up 24-8 with a 5-yard scramble touchdown. That was Texas' first offensive touchdown since its opening possession. It capped a 13-play, 76-yard drive that puts Arizona State's backs squarely against the wall. While it's still technically a two-possession game, the Sun Devils would need two touchdowns and a pair of 2-point conversions to tie the game. That's a tall order for a team that hasn't scored a touchdown all game.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 3:43 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas limping into fourth quarter, Skattebo winded

End 3Q: (5) Texas 17, (4) Arizona State 8

Texas is limping into the fourth quarter after another quarter of offensive struggles that included another huge lift from the defense. Arizona State has dominated time of possession 32:49-12:11, and the Longhorns haven't scored an offensive touchdown since their first possession. The Arizona State offense continues to find ways into Texas territory but won't be able to get over the hump if it can't find the end zone for the first time. Cam Skattebo looks gassed on the sideline. The Arizona State star has been vomiting on the sideline, per ESPN. He has 27 touches as a runner and receiver.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 3:38 pm ET · David Cobb]

Points for the Sun Devils

At long last, Arizona State's offense produced points for the first time since the game's opening possession. The Sun Devils marched 50 yards on 11 plays, buoyed by a 33-yard Cam Skattebo run, set up a 36-yard field goal from Carston Kieffer. Arizona State had a first down on the Texas 12-yard line but went backwards on three straight plays, which left the Sun Devils little choice but to kick. The Texas defense must be exhausted, but it continues to come up with big plays when they are needed most.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 3:24 pm ET · David Cobb]

Huge play from the Arizona State defense

Texas' offensive incompetence just continued in a potentially game-changing way. The Texas offense has been a sputtering mess since scoring on its first possession. Pinned against their own goal-line after a defensive stand, the Longhorns just got pinned for a safety. Quintrevion Wisner fumbled, Quinn Ewers caught it and was tackled in the end zone. That's two points and the ball for the Sun Devils in what is now a 17-5 game. The push gotten by the ASU defensive front against Texas has been impressive all game.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 3:21 pm ET · David Cobb]

Skattebo stuffed again

For a second time this game, Arizona State went to star running back Cam Skattebo on a fourth-and-short. This time, it was fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line. But once again, the Texas defense came up with a huge stand. It took a host of Longhorns to wrestle him to the ground, but they got him down to mark a fourth consecutive ASU drive into Texas territory resulting in no points. A touchdown there would have made for a perfect start to the second half for the Sun Devils. But the offense is leaving the field empty-handed yet again.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 3:14 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michael Taaffe down

Texas safety Michael Taaffe is down receiving attention after helping bring down Cam Skattebo as the bruising Arizona State runner surged inside the Texas 10-yard line. Taaffe is a beloved former walk-on who's been an anchor of a much-improved Texas secondary this season. The wear and tear is starting to build a bit for the Longhorns.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 3:07 pm ET · David Cobb]

Kelvin Banks down as Texas offense sputters

Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks was down receiving treatment after Quinn Ewers was sacked on a third-and-12 play. The Longhorns are already without starting right tackle Cameron Williams due to injury, and their pass protection has been spotty today. Ewers was sacked twice on Texas' opening possession of the third quarter, which resulted in a three-and-out. Banks is ranked as the No. 9 overall player in the 2025 CBS Sports NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 2:57 pm ET · David Cobb]

Second half Sugar Bowl keys

Neither team ran the football well in the first half as Texas bottled up Cam Skattebo for just 45 yards on 13 carries. His first carry for 10 yards was his longest, and nine of his 13 rushes have gone for three yards or less. Texas backs Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner have combined for just 14 yards on eight carries. If the Longhorns are going to get their defense some rest, they'll need to take more time off the clock offensively by generating some first downs on the ground. Arizona State's other problem has been containing the Texas defensive front. The Sun Devils have repeatedly stalled in Texas territory before reaching the red zone as Texas has teed off on quarterback Sam Leavitt during obvious passing situations.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 2:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas defense holds again entering half

Halftime: (5) Texas 17, (4) Arizona State 3

Texas used a 14-point barrage in the first quarter to seize control of the Peach Bowl on Wednesday before Arizona State regained its footing to remain within striking distance at 17-3 entering halftime. The Sun Devils dominated the time of possession and doubled up the Longhorns in first downs but struggled to finish drives against a fierce Texas defense. Arizona State made three trips into Texas territory on its final three possessions of the half but came away with no points.

The Longhorns benefitted from a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown from Silas Bolden but had just four true offensive possessions in the half before taking possession for a fifth time with 11 seconds left and running out the clock. Texas needed just 41 seconds and two plays to cover 77 yards for a touchdown on its first offensive possession but didn't score another offensive touchdown during the rest of the half.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 2:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

Bold fake punt call

Faced with a fourth-and-9 deep in its own territory, Arizona State had no choice but to punt. Right? Wrong. With his team down 17-3, Kenny Dillingham dialed up a bold fake punt that worked to perfection as Kanyon Floyd hit defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong for a 32-yard pass play. That was the longest play of the first half for the Sun Devils and set them up in Texas territory coming back from the two-minute timeout.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 2:25 pm ET · David Cobb]

Big sequence ahead

Arizona State's defense got off the field with a shoestring tackle on a scrambling Quinn Ewers as he took off for the sticks on a third-and-long. With the Longhorns set to receive the second half kickoff, the upcoming offensive possession is huge for Arizona State. The Sun Devils' defense has done enough to keep ASU within striking distance, but every yard has been a struggle for the offense.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 2:20 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas is relentless defensively

The Texas pass rush continues to wreak havoc on Arizona State. Kenny Dillingham opted to go for it on fourth-and-10 from the Texas 34-yard line. But Trey Moore slung Sam Leavitt to the ground for a loss of four yards. The Sun Devils had something working on that series, but as has been the case throughout the first half, they could not finish a drive. The Longhorns' defensive front has made life brutally difficult on Arizona State.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 2:10 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas goes ahead 17-3

A pass interference penalty and a 24-yard swing pass to running back Quintrevion Wisner helped get the Longhorns into the red zone. From there, Ewers threw into traffic on third-and-7 looking for tight end Gunnar Helm. Originally, Texas was going to attempt a 37-yard field goal. But after an offsides penalty on ASU, the Longhorns sent their offense back onto the field and converted. In the end, Texas still ended up settling for a field goal on fourth-and-goal from the 4.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:59 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas holds to begin second quarter

Texas just stood tall on fourth-and-2 against Cam Skattebo to end a once-promising Arizona State drive. The Sun Devils were on the outskirts of field goal range and went to their star back. But the push from Texas' defensive line was too much for ASU to handle as Alfred Collins brought Skattebo down after a gain of just one yard.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:55 pm ET · David Cobb]

Longhorns up big after first quarter

End 1Q: Texas 14, Arizona State 3

Texas knocked Arizona State on its heels with a 14-point barrage midway through the first quarter of the Peach Bowl on Wednesday before the Sun Devils stabilized things with a long drive. Still, the Longhorns led 14-3 as the second quarter began with the Sun Devils facing a fourth-and-2 decision from inside the Texas 30-yard line. Texas ran just five offensive plays in the first quarter, but two of them were explosive passing plays that helped deliver the Longhorns a touchdown. From there, Silas Bolden put Texas ahead 11 with his 75-yard punt return. Yardage has been hard to find for Arizona State star back Cam Skattebo, who finished the first quarter with 25 yards on eight carries. His first touch was his best as he ran for 10 yards on the game's first play from scrimmage.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:47 pm ET · David Cobb]

Arizona State gets a stop

Texas transfer Prince Dorbah sacked Quinn Ewers on first down to put the Longhorns behind the chains, leading to a three-and-out. That was a huge play for the Sun Devils to stop the bleeding after a barrage of big plays turned the tides of the game in the middle of the first quarter. The Longhorns have run just five offensive plays but lead 14-3 as the first quarter reaches the late stages.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Another punt for ASU

Sam Leavitt made a great play to evade the pressure of several Longhorns on third-and-long. That bought him the time to attempt a throw over the middle, but he overshot his man. The result is a second straight three-and-out for the Sun Devils, who are on the ropes early against a Texas team that is clicking in all three phases to being the Peach Bowl.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:33 pm ET · David Cobb]

Silas Bolden inflicts disaster on Arizona State

Silas Bolden just returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown to put Texas ahead 14-3 with 7:08 left in the first quarter. The punt came after Arizona State went three-and-out on a possession that did not include a carry for Cam Skattebo. Sam Leavitt fired incomplete on first down. Texas then snuffed out a tunnel screen on second down. Then, on third down, Leavitt ended up running for his life and firing incomplete. Texas has scored 14 points in 66 seconds and has Arizona State on its heels.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:27 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas strikes back fast

Texas just mashed the gas pedal on its first offensive possession with two huge passing plays to make it 7-3. First, Quinn Ewers hit Matthew Golden for 54 yards. Then, he lofted a perfect pass to DeAndre Moore Jr. on a wheel route. The safety help was late, and the corner was torched as Moore corralled the pass in stride for a touchdown. It took just 41 seconds for the Longhorns to march down the field and take the lead.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Arizona State strikes first

Three different Arizona State kickers entered the game a combined 9 of 17 on the season. However, the Sun Devils' beleaguered special teams unit came through to cap the game's opening drive. Carston Kieffer connected on a 39-yarder to cap an 11-play drive. That was just his third attempt of the season and second make. The Longhorns were stingy defensively, but two penalties cleared the way for the Sun Devils to get on the board.

[Jan 1, 2025 at 1:19 pm ET · David Cobb]

Penalties hurting Texas

A running into the kicker penalty on Texas gave Arizona State fresh life after the Sun Devils were forced to punt on a fourth-and-4. Then, a facemask on Anthony Hill negated a tackle for no gain on quarterback Sam Leavitt. The penalties are giving Arizona State life on the game's opening drive as the Sun Devils scuffle for yardage within their down-to-down offense.