Arizona State's Gutsy Comeback Falls Just Short in Overtime Against Texas in the Peach Bowl
The 2024 Peach Bowl in Atlanta delivered one of the most thrilling college football games of the season, showcasing an unforgettable comeback by Arizona State, only to fall short in double overtime. The Texas Longhorns emerged victorious, edging out the Sun Devils 39-31 in a dramatic contest that left fans on the edge of their seats.
For much of the game, Arizona State seemed outmatched. The Longhorns, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, were in control through three quarters, with Texas building a solid 17-8 lead going into the final period. However, the Sun Devils showed remarkable resilience, refusing to back down. Trailing 24-8 in the fourth quarter, Arizona State mounted an incredible rally, propelled by their star running back Cam Skattebo.
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Skattebo, who had been battling through a painful moment on the sidelines, was at the heart of the comeback. In a daring move, he threw a 42-yard trick-play touchdown pass to Melquan Stovall, narrowing the deficit. Skattebo wasn’t done yet, as he later rushed for a touchdown to tie the game at 24-24, sending it into overtime after a missed field goal attempt by Texas.
In the first overtime period, Arizona State briefly took the lead 31-24, thanks to another impressive touchdown run by Skattebo. Yet, the Longhorns responded with force. Ewers connected with tight end Gunnar Helm for a 25-yard touchdown, and on the ensuing Arizona State possession, the Longhorns’ defense stepped up, intercepting Sun Devils’ quarterback Sam Leavitt to seal the win.
Despite the loss, Arizona State’s effort will not be forgotten. Skattebo’s performance was nothing short of sensational, finishing with 143 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards, 42 passing yards, and three total touchdowns. His explosive playmaking and leadership helped Arizona State fight back from the brink of defeat. Skattebo, who had a breakout senior season with over 1,700 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, cemented his status as one of the top players in college football.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster of the game, praising his team’s resilience. "We stubbed our toe a little, but our fight was incredible," he said, reflecting on the tight win. With this victory, Texas advances to face either Oregon or Ohio State in the next round of the College Football Playoff, with a chance to move closer to the national championship.
Arizona State, a team that was picked last in the Big 12 preseason rankings, will take pride in their dramatic comeback. The Sun Devils’ determination throughout the game, despite a slow start, reflects a bright future for the program. Their season, highlighted by Skattebo’s heroics, stands as a testament to their heart and grit.
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