The 2025 Peach Bowl will go down as one of the most thrilling games of the season. After an incredible comeback effort by the Arizona State Sun Devils, led by star running back Cam Skattebo, the Texas Longhorns held on for a 39-31 victory in double overtime after blowing a huge lead during the second half.
Texas Nearly Blows Substantial Lead After Steve Sarkisian’s Sloppy Second Half Showing
Texas started hot, jumping to a 14-3 lead midway through the first quarter thanks to a quick two-play touchdown drive and a punt return touchdown by Silas Bolden.
However, after their fast start, the Longhorns’ offense stalled, managing only one successful drive that ended in a second-quarter field goal to take a 17-3 lead into halftime.
Steve Sarkisian’s squad nearly let it all slip away after a pitiful second half that saw the Sun Devils storm back into the game.
Texas entered the second half with the same offensive struggles. Their first possession was a -3 yard drive, giving the ball straight back to the Sun Devils.
Arizona State roared back in the second half, starting with a safety and a field goal to cut the deficit to 17-8. Texas briefly regained momentum with a five-yard touchdown run by Quinn Ewers, extending their lead to 24-8. But the Sun Devils weren’t done yet.
Skattebo ignited the Arizona State offense, leading a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive capped by a 42-yard touchdown pass himself. A successful two-point conversion closed the gap to 24-16.
Momentum then shifted entirely when Quinn Ewers threw a critical interception on his next drive, setting up a quick three-play touchdown drive for Arizona State. Another two-point conversion tied the game at 24.
Texas tried to respond, driving into field goal range late in the fourth quarter, but a missed 48-yard attempt handed the ball back to the Sun Devils. Arizona State couldn’t capitalize, going three-and-out, and Texas had one last shot to win in regulation.
From there, it seemed like they would do just that. After successfully moving the ball down the field, Texas was set up well inside field goal range and took a timeout with seconds remaining and a chance for a game-winning field goal to advance the Longhorns.
With two seconds left, Bert Auburn’s kick was wide left, hitting the uprights and sending the game to overtime.
Sarkisian’s team looked on the verge of collapse as Arizona State struck first in the extra period with a touchdown, putting Texas on the brink of elimination. But the Longhorns stayed alive with a clutch 28-yard touchdown pass on 4th-and-13 to force a second overtime.
In the second overtime, Texas wasted no time, scoring on the first play and adding a two-point conversion to take a 39-31 lead. The Longhorn defense then sealed the victory with a game-ending interception, stopping Arizona State’s hot offense and advancing the Longhorns to the Cotton Bowl.
While Texas stays alive in the College Football Playoff, their second-half struggles raised questions about their consistency and ability to close out big-time games. Sarkisian’s team survived—but only barely.
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