Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Texas Longhorns: College Football Playoff Preview

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Texas Longhorns. Both teams have earned their spots with stellar seasons, promising an exciting clash filled with high stakes and championship aspirations. As the game inches closer, fans and analysts are buzzing about what to expect from this intriguing matchup. In this preview, we’ll break down both teams’ seasons, key players to watch, strengths, weaknesses, and what each squad needs to do to advance to the national title game.

1. Season Recaps and Road to the Playoff

Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona State had a somewhat unexpected rise to prominence this season, overcoming doubts to secure a spot in the CFP. Under head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils have developed a tough, disciplined program that focused on both offensive explosiveness and defensive consistency. Their journey began with a solid but unremarkable start, but they quickly turned heads in the Pac-12, finishing the regular season with a 12-1 record.

The Sun Devils’ only loss came to Oregon early in the season, but they bounced back in impressive fashion, knocking off high-powered teams like USC and Washington. Their offense, led by sophomore quarterback Jake Garcia, has been dynamic, scoring at will through both the air and on the ground. Arizona State’s defense, spearheaded by star linebacker Jordan Clark, has played with a level of physicality that disrupted some of the Pac-12’s best offenses.

Arizona State’s victory over top-ranked teams in conference play proved they belonged in the playoff picture, culminating in a thrilling Pac-12 Championship win against a resilient Oregon team. Despite their strong season, many pundits see Arizona State as an underdog in this matchup, with their young quarterback and relatively untested roster. However, with their recent playoff run and ability to deliver in big moments, the Sun Devils are a dangerous opponent for any team.

Texas Longhorns

Texas, on the other hand, enters the playoff as one of the most dominant teams in college football this season. After years of underperforming, the Longhorns have fully embraced their potential, finishing the season with a 13-0 record, capturing the Big 12 Championship, and earning the No. 2 seed in the CFP. Their offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, has been a high-octane juggernaut all season long. The Longhorns averaged over 40 points per game, showcasing a balanced attack with both a potent passing game and a powerful running game.

What sets Texas apart, however, is their defense. Under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns have one of the most aggressive defenses in the country. Texas allowed just 16 points per game, with a relentless pass rush that consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The defense is anchored by standout linebacker Jaylan Ford, who has been a disruptive force all season. Texas’s defense will be a key factor in their quest for a national championship, as they’ll need to stifle the explosive Arizona State offense to advance.

With wins over elite teams like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Kansas State, Texas has proven they can handle the pressure of big games. Coach Steve Sarkisian has finally molded the Longhorns into a true contender, and they’re looking to claim their first national championship since 2005.

2. Key Matchups to Watch

Arizona State’s Offense vs. Texas’s Defense

The first and most important matchup to watch is Arizona State’s offense against Texas’s defense. The Sun Devils are built around an aggressive, fast-paced attack. Sophomore quarterback Jake Garcia has been the catalyst for the offense, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season. Garcia’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has allowed Arizona State to consistently outpace opponents. His favorite target, wide receiver Elijah Badger, is one of the most dangerous deep threats in college football, capable of taking over a game at any moment.

Texas’s defense, however, is built to contain offenses like Arizona State’s. The Longhorns boast a top-tier secondary, led by cornerback Jerrin Thompson, who has consistently shut down opposing wide receivers. Texas’s defensive line is also formidable, with T’Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins providing pressure up front. They have the ability to disrupt Garcia’s rhythm, forcing him into uncomfortable situations and making it difficult for Badger and others to get open.

A key point of this matchup will be Arizona State’s offensive line and their ability to provide Garcia with time in the pocket. If Garcia is able to stand tall and make quick decisions, Arizona State could exploit the Texas secondary. However, if Texas’s front seven can put Garcia under pressure, it could be a long day for the Sun Devils’ offense.

Texas’s Offense vs. Arizona State’s Defense

On the other side of the ball, Texas’s high-powered offense will face a Sun Devils defense that has been stout against the run and strong in pass coverage. The Longhorns are led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has had a breakout season, throwing for 3,600 yards and 34 touchdowns. Ewers’s deep ball is one of his most dangerous weapons, but he has also shown maturity and poise in the pocket, able to make precise throws in all situations. His favorite target, wide receiver Xavier Worthy, is a playmaker who can change the game in an instant.

Arizona State’s defense will have its hands full, particularly in defending the pass. Their secondary, which features Jordan Clark and Chris Edmonds, has been impressive, but they will need to contain Ewers and Worthy, who have developed an incredible rapport this season. The Sun Devils’ defensive line, led by Jermayne Lole, will need to create pressure and force Ewers out of the pocket. The key to Arizona State’s success in this matchup will be whether they can disrupt Ewers’s timing and prevent big plays from occurring down the field.

If Arizona State can limit the explosive plays and force Texas into long drives, they’ll give themselves a chance to stay in the game. However, if Texas gets into a rhythm and is able to exploit Arizona State’s secondary with quick strikes, it could be a difficult task for the Sun Devils to keep up.

3. Coaching and Strategy

Both coaches bring a wealth of experience to the table. Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham has been lauded for his ability to adapt and develop young talent, while Texas’s Steve Sarkisian has established himself as one of the top offensive minds in college football. Both teams are known for their fast-paced offenses and aggressive defenses, and the strategic battle between the two coaching staffs will play a key role in determining the outcome.

Dillingham will likely look to employ a balanced attack, mixing run and pass to keep Texas’s defense on its heels. Expect to see a lot of quick screens, short routes, and designed runs for Garcia. Arizona State’s ability to establish the run will be crucial, as it will open up play-action opportunities and give Garcia more time to find his playmakers.

Sarkisian, meanwhile, will likely rely on his playmakers to make explosive plays. Texas’s offense thrives when Ewers is able to push the ball downfield to Worthy and Jordan Whittington. Sarkisian may also look to establish the run with Jonathon Brooks, who has been outstanding this season. Texas’s offensive line, which has been one of the best in the nation, will play a crucial role in ensuring that Ewers has the time he needs to survey the field.

4. X-Factors and Keys to the Game

For Arizona State, the key to victory will be controlling the tempo and making life difficult for Ewers. If they can disrupt Texas’s offensive rhythm and force the Longhorns into third-and-long situations, they’ll have a better chance of getting off the field and keeping the score close. Garcia will also need to be efficient with the football and make smart decisions against a stingy Texas defense.

For Texas, their defense must make sure that Garcia doesn’t get comfortable. Pressuring the young quarterback early and forcing him into mistakes will go a long way in limiting Arizona State’s offensive output. Offensively, Ewers needs to continue to shine and find Worthy and Whittington downfield for big plays, while Brooks should be able to control the clock and keep Arizona State’s defense on its heels.

5. Prediction

This game promises to be a thrilling contest between two high-powered teams, but Texas’s experience and depth will ultimately give them the edge. While Arizona State has the potential to make it competitive, Texas’s defense will be too much for the Sun Devils to handle over the course of four quarters. Look for the Longhorns to win by a score of 34-21, advancing to the national championship game.