Texas Longhorns Face Arizona State Sun Devils in College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
After a potential first-round victory against the Clemson Tigers, the No. 3 Texas Longhorns are set to face their Big 12 Conference successor, the No. 12 Arizona State Sun Devils, in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals. This upcoming matchup marks the first meeting between the two programs since 2007. Arizona State narrowly missed crossing paths with Texas in the Big 12, as the Sun Devils joined the conference just after the Longhorns’ departure.
Arizona State enters the quarterfinals with the No. 4 seed, earning a first-round bye following their dominant 45-19 victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship game. Both the Sun Devils and Cyclones entered that contest with identical 10-2 records, ranked No. 15 and No. 16 in the AP Poll, respectively. Despite pregame parity on paper, the Sun Devils showcased overwhelming dominance early, thanks largely to the impressive performance of redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt. Leavitt delivered a standout performance, completing 70.6% of his passes and throwing for four touchdowns, effectively leading ASU to their first conference championship since 1996.
An Unlikely Rise to Success
Arizona State’s championship run has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering their preseason outlook. Before the season began, the Sun Devils were widely projected to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 standings in their inaugural year in the conference. Their unexpected success has redefined expectations, as head coach Kenny Dillingham, only in his second year at the helm, orchestrated a massive turnaround.
At just 34 years old, Dillingham has emerged as one of the most promising young coaches in college football. In his debut season with Arizona State, Dillingham endured a grueling 3-9 campaign, finishing ninth in the Pac-12 while cycling through multiple quarterbacks. The instability under center saw three different players take starting snaps at various points throughout the season. Despite a rocky start to his tenure, Dillingham’s ability to attract top talent and implement a winning system has quickly paid dividends.
The Leavitt Effect: A Transformative Leader
The addition of quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Michigan State, has been a game-changer for the Sun Devils. Leavitt’s arrival injected immediate life into an offense that averaged just 18 points per game in 2023. Under his leadership, ASU’s offensive production has nearly doubled in 2024, as the dual-threat quarterback has become the centerpiece of the team’s resurgence.
Leavitt’s numbers this season are nothing short of impressive. He has thrown for 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing over 68% of his passes. On the ground, his mobility has proven equally effective, with 383 rushing yards and five touchdowns to his name. His versatility and poise under pressure have made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the nation.
However, Leavitt is not the only dual-threat weapon that opposing defenses must contend with. Senior running back Cam Skattebo has been an unstoppable force all season. Skattebo leads the team in rushing with over 1,500 yards and nearly 20 touchdowns. He averages six yards per carry and more than 130 rushing yards per game, consistently delivering when the team needs him most.
Skattebo’s impact extends beyond the ground game. As a reliable receiver, he has accumulated 506 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 37 receptions. His combined offensive production has set a new single-season school record for total yards, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile backs in college football.
Overcoming Adversity
Despite their success this season, Arizona State’s path to the playoffs has not been without setbacks. The Sun Devils finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, suffering losses to Texas Tech and Cincinnati. Both defeats exposed key areas for improvement, particularly in offensive execution and discipline.
The loss to Texas Tech in ASU’s Big 12 opener was particularly frustrating, as the Sun Devils outperformed the Red Raiders statistically but were plagued by self-inflicted mistakes. ASU struggled on third downs, converting just 35.7%, and failed to convert on fourth downs entirely. These missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game.
Meanwhile, their loss to Cincinnati highlighted challenges in containing opposing offenses, as the Bearcats were able to exploit gaps in ASU’s defense. While the setbacks were disheartening, they also served as learning experiences, allowing the Sun Devils to recalibrate and refocus for the remainder of the season.
Wins that Defined the Season
Arizona State’s ability to bounce back from early adversity speaks volumes about the team’s resilience. Key victories against top opponents cemented their reputation as legitimate contenders. The Sun Devils earned statement wins over Wyoming, Oklahoma State, Arizona, and Iowa State, demonstrating their ability to perform in high-stakes matchups.
However, not all of ASU’s wins came easily. Seven of their ten victories were decided by margins of 10 points or fewer, showcasing the team’s ability to thrive under pressure. Whether grinding out close wins or dominating the scoreboard, the Sun Devils have proven they can adapt to any situation.
Despite their impressive record, Arizona State has faced criticism and skepticism. ESPN recently ranked the Sun Devils as the “worst team” to ever make the College Football Playoff out of 52 total contenders in the tournament’s 11-year history. ESPN analyst Bill Connelly cited the team’s narrow victories and occasional inconsistency as reasons for their underdog status. Nevertheless, the criticism has only fueled Arizona State’s motivation.
The Road Ahead: A Quarterfinal Clash with Texas
The quarterfinal matchup against Texas presents Arizona State with its toughest challenge yet. The Longhorns, a perennial powerhouse, enter the game as heavy favorites. Texas boasts a high-powered offense and a stifling defense, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation.
For the Sun Devils to pull off an upset, they will need to rely on their offensive stars. Leavitt’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will be crucial in breaking down Texas’ formidable defense. Meanwhile, Skattebo must continue his dominance on the ground and provide the balance necessary to keep the Longhorns on their heels.
Defensively, Arizona State will need to step up and deliver their best performance of the season. Containing Texas’ explosive offense will require disciplined play and an ability to generate turnovers. The Sun Devils’ defense, which has been opportunistic at times, will need to rise to the occasion and capitalize on any mistakes Texas makes.
Dillingham’s Vision and Legacy in the Making
Regardless of the outcome, Arizona State’s journey to the quarterfinals is already a testament to the transformative leadership of Kenny Dillingham. In just two seasons, Dillingham has taken a program that appeared to be in decline and turned it into a legitimate championship contender. His success is a reflection of his innovative coaching style, ability to recruit top talent, and knack for maximizing the potential of his players.
At just 34 years old, Dillingham’s future in college football looks incredibly bright. His achievements this season have not only elevated the Sun Devils’ program but have also positioned him as one of the most exciting young coaches in the sport. Should Arizona State continue its upward trajectory, Dillingham’s legacy as a program builder will only grow stronger.
Underdog Mentality: Fuel for the Fire
The narrative surrounding Arizona State’s playoff berth is clear: they are underdogs. Few analysts give the Sun Devils a chance against a team of Texas’ caliber. However, being overlooked has become a source of motivation for this resilient group. The Sun Devils have embraced their underdog status, using it as fuel to prove doubters wrong.
As they prepare for their quarterfinal showdown, Arizona State’s focus remains on the task at hand. A win over Texas would not only silence critics but also mark one of the greatest upsets in College Football Playoff history. For a program that was written off before the season began, the opportunity to compete for a national championship is already a monumental achievement.
Conclusion: A Historic Opportunity
Arizona State’s journey to the College Football Playoff is a story of perseverance, transformation, and belief. From preseason underdogs to Big 12 champions, the Sun Devils have defied expectations at every turn. Led by the dynamic duo of Sam Leavitt and Cam Skattebo, and guided by the vision of head coach Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State enters the quarterfinals with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Their matchup against the Texas Longhorns represents the ultimate test—and the ultimate opportunity. Whether they emerge victorious or fall short, the Sun Devils have already made history. Their improbable rise serves as a reminder that in college football, anything is possible.
For Arizona State, the journey is far from over. As they take the field against Texas, they do so with the confidence of champions and the determination to leave their mark on the national stage.
