The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable matchups of the 2024 College Football Playoff. The fifth-seeded Texas Longhorns are aiming to capture their first national championship since 2005, but standing in their way are the fourth-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils, a team that shocked many by clinching the Big 12 Championship despite being picked to finish last in the conference preseason poll. With both teams eager to make a statement on the national stage, fans can expect a thrilling contest as Texas, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, faces Arizona State in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Texas enters the Peach Bowl as the favorite, favored by 13.5 points, after finishing as the runner-up in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Despite losing twice to the Georgia Bulldogs, the Longhorns boast one of the nation’s most formidable defenses and a potent offensive attack featuring two quarterbacks capable of leading the team: redshirt junior Quinn Ewers and redshirt freshman Arch Manning. Ewers has been the starter throughout most of the season, but Manning has remained a popular figure among Longhorn fans, with many calling for the highly-touted freshman to get the nod. However, Sarkisian has remained committed to Ewers as his starting quarterback.
Meanwhile, Arizona State has reached this stage of the playoffs on the back of an incredible season, capped by their Big 12 title. The Sun Devils are participating in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, and they’ll be looking to prove the doubters wrong. At the heart of Arizona State’s success is their freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, who has been a revelation this season. Leavitt’s playmaking ability has given the Sun Devils a chance to surprise many, and he’s eager to continue making waves in this matchup against Texas.
Arch Manning Responds to Sam Leavitt’s Bold Claim
As the two teams prepare for what promises to be a captivating clash, the tension has only heightened thanks to a recent exchange between Sam Leavitt and Arch Manning. Over the weekend, Leavitt made headlines when he declared that he would be the best quarterback taking the field in Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday. His bold statement caught the attention of Manning and many others, as Leavitt’s self-assurance echoed the confidence of a young player eager to prove his worth on the biggest stage.
Manning, who has been relatively quiet about his role as a backup to Ewers, took a diplomatic approach when responding to Leavitt’s remarks. Manning acknowledged Leavitt’s confidence but made it clear that he has faith in his teammate, Ewers, and the Longhorns’ ability to succeed. “I feel like as a quarterback you always want to think you’re the best,” Manning said. “So I kind of understand where he is coming from. But Quinn is a dang good quarterback, so I’m just excited for the game and excited to hopefully get a win.”
Manning’s response was both measured and mature, showing that he is focused on the team’s success rather than engaging in a back-and-forth with Leavitt. Manning’s words underscore the support and belief he has in Ewers, as well as his own readiness to contribute when called upon. Despite being a freshman, Manning’s approach to the situation reveals a sense of poise that should serve him well moving forward, particularly as he potentially takes over the reins at Texas in the coming seasons.
Texas’ Quarterback Situation
The quarterback situation for Texas has been a topic of much discussion throughout the season. Quinn Ewers, the redshirt junior, has been the starter and has led the Longhorns to a 12-2 record. He has thrown for 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 67% of his passes. While he has been impressive at times, Ewers has also faced criticism for his inconsistency, particularly in the two losses to Georgia, where he struggled to keep up with the Bulldogs’ defense.
Despite the criticism, Ewers has managed to maintain his position as the starter, largely due to his ability to deliver in critical moments and his overall skill set. Steve Sarkisian has made it clear that Ewers is his guy, and the head coach has placed his trust in the veteran quarterback to lead the team through the Peach Bowl and beyond. However, many fans have voiced their support for Arch Manning, the highly-anticipated freshman who has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity.
Manning’s role in the team has been limited in 2024, but he has started two games and contributed to the offense in various packages. His mobility, arm strength, and decision-making have impressed coaches and fans alike, and many believe he could be the future of the program. But despite Manning’s potential, Sarkisian has opted to stick with Ewers, who is more experienced and has been the starter throughout the season. Manning’s response to Leavitt’s bold claim about being the best quarterback on the field underscores the fact that he is a team player and understands the bigger picture.
Sam Leavitt’s Confidence and Arizona State’s Offensive Game Plan
On the other side of the field, Sam Leavitt has become the face of Arizona State’s offensive resurgence. The freshman quarterback has been the catalyst behind the Sun Devils’ unexpected success, throwing for 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions during the 2024 season. His ability to read defenses, make accurate throws, and command the offense has made him one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the country.
Leavitt’s confidence heading into the Peach Bowl is evident, and it is no surprise that he would consider himself the best quarterback on the field. After all, quarterbacks are often their own biggest supporters, and Leavitt is no exception. His confidence could be crucial for Arizona State, as they take on one of the top defenses in the nation. If the Sun Devils are to have any chance of pulling off an upset, Leavitt will need to play at his best and continue to make plays both through the air and on the ground.
Arizona State’s offensive game plan will revolve around Leavitt’s ability to exploit the Texas defense, which has been stingy all season long. The Longhorns have allowed just over 20 points per game and are one of the top teams in the nation when it comes to stopping the pass. If Leavitt can remain poised under pressure and make key throws, Arizona State could have a chance to put up a fight against Texas.
Keys to Victory for Texas
For the Longhorns, the keys to victory in this Peach Bowl are clear. First, they must continue to lean on their defense, which has been one of the best in the country. Containing Leavitt and Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils’ dynamic running back, will be critical. If Texas can limit Arizona State’s explosive plays, they will be in a strong position to advance to the semifinals.
Second, Quinn Ewers must continue to perform at a high level. Despite the criticisms, Ewers has proven that he can be a difference-maker for Texas. If he can limit turnovers and make the plays necessary to move the offense, Texas should be able to control the game and come out on top.
Finally, the Longhorns need to be mindful of Arizona State’s confidence and Sam Leavitt’s ability to rise to the occasion. The Sun Devils have nothing to lose, and they will come into the Peach Bowl ready to fight.
As the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl approaches, the matchup between Texas and Arizona State promises to be a thrilling affair. With both teams loaded with talent, and with quarterbacks Ewers and Leavitt expected to play pivotal roles, fans will be treated to an exciting contest that could shape the future of both programs.
