Arizona State-Texas: The Best College Football Playoff Game

In the annals of college football, few games have captured the hearts and minds of fans like the Arizona State-Texas matchup in the College Football Playoff (CFP). This epic contest, which has since been recognized as one of the most thrilling and iconic games in CFP history, left an indelible mark on the sport. Both teams, powered by their passionate fanbases, elite athletes, and high stakes, produced a clash that redefined the meaning of drama in college football. To fully appreciate why this game is widely regarded as the best College Football Playoff game, we must delve into the key elements that made it such a monumental occasion.

The Teams: A Brief Overview

Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona State University (ASU) entered the College Football Playoff with a proud football tradition, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they began to make waves on the national stage. Known for their explosive offense and solid defense, Arizona State had developed a reputation for producing high-profile talent. But despite their talent and success, they had not yet captured that elusive national championship, a goal they had been relentlessly pursuing for decades.

Under head coach Todd Graham, ASU had been steadily improving. The 2024 season had seen them develop into a legitimate contender, thanks to a high-powered offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and an aggressive defense spearheaded by linebacker Kyle Soelle. Arizona State entered the game with confidence, knowing they had the talent to compete with any team in the country.

Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns, on the other hand, were no strangers to the big stage. With a history steeped in college football glory, Texas had claimed multiple national titles, including a memorable victory in the 2005 Rose Bowl against USC. But since then, the program had been in a period of transition, with changes in leadership and roster shake-ups. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, however, Texas had regained its identity as one of the most dangerous teams in the country. The Longhorns boasted an explosive offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, a dual-threat signal-caller with a strong arm and exceptional mobility.

Texas’s defense had also been among the most formidable in the nation, with key players like safety Jahdae Barron and defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat leading the charge. The combination of Texas’s offense and defense made them one of the toughest teams to face in the Playoff, and their matchup against Arizona State promised to be an all-time classic.

The Build-Up: High Stakes and Heavy Expectations

The atmosphere surrounding the game was electric. The College Football Playoff had already established itself as a pinnacle of collegiate sports, and with Arizona State and Texas being two high-profile programs, the anticipation was palpable. Fans of both teams traveled in droves, filling the stadium with a mix of burnt orange and maroon, each group hoping to see their team take one step closer to the ultimate prize: the national championship.

For Arizona State, the Playoff represented a chance to cement their legacy as one of the elite programs in college football. For Texas, it was an opportunity to restore their position as a championship-caliber team after years of underperformance. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.

The Game: A Roller Coaster of Emotions

As the game kicked off, it was clear that this would be no ordinary contest. Both teams came out firing on all cylinders, delivering some of the most intense and high-octane football seen in the Playoff era. The opening minutes set the tone for the rest of the game: fast, furious, and filled with momentum swings.

Arizona State’s Early Success

Arizona State wasted no time showcasing their offensive prowess. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had been one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country that season, orchestrated a methodical opening drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Elijhah Badger. The Sun Devils’ fast-paced offense was in full swing, and they had Texas on the ropes early.

The Arizona State defense, meanwhile, did its part by forcing an early turnover. Linebacker Kyle Soelle intercepted a pass from Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, giving Arizona State excellent field position. Daniels capitalized on the turnover, leading the Sun Devils to another quick touchdown, this time a 5-yard rush into the end zone. Arizona State was up 14-0, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. It looked as though the Sun Devils might pull off an upset.

Texas Strikes Back

But Texas wasn’t about to back down so easily. Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns’ offense responded with a vengeance. Ewers, showing poise beyond his years, led a methodical drive that culminated in a 15-yard touchdown run by star running back Bijan Robinson. The score cut Arizona State’s lead to 14-7, and the momentum shifted in favor of the Longhorns.

As the first half progressed, both teams traded blows, with Arizona State’s offense continuing to put pressure on Texas’s defense, while the Longhorns matched them with impressive passing plays from Ewers and explosive runs from Robinson. The first half concluded with Arizona State holding a slim 21-20 lead, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

The Second Half: A Clash of Titans

The second half of the game was nothing short of spectacular. Each possession became more critical as the clock ticked down, and the tension in the stadium was palpable. Texas managed to take a 28-21 lead after a spectacular 50-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Xavier Worthy, one of the fastest wide receivers in the country.

Arizona State answered back quickly. Jayden Daniels, with his trademark poise and precision, led a clutch drive down the field, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run. The Sun Devils were now tied with the Longhorns at 28-28, and the game was truly anyone’s to win.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, both teams dug deep, showing the heart and resilience that made them such formidable contenders. Texas’s defense stepped up when needed most, stifling Arizona State’s offense on a critical third-and-long. But Arizona State’s defense was equally determined, with Soelle and safety Jordan Clark each delivering big plays to force punts and give their offense another shot.

The Final Moments

With just under two minutes left in the game, the score was tied at 35-35. The tension was almost unbearable. Texas, however, had one final chance to secure victory. Ewers, calm under pressure, marched the Longhorns into field goal range with a series of quick, precise passes to his top receivers.

With just 10 seconds left on the clock, Texas set up for a 42-yard field goal attempt. The stadium fell silent. The kick was up… and it sailed through the uprights as the buzzer sounded. Texas had won, 38-35, in one of the most thrilling finishes in CFP history.

Why It Was the Best CFP Game

The Arizona State-Texas game was the epitome of what college football fans love: drama, athleticism, and the unpredictability of the game. Here’s why it is considered the best CFP game:

1. Offensive Fireworks: Both teams brought their best offensive weapons to the table. Jayden Daniels and Quinn Ewers showcased why they were among the best quarterbacks in the country, trading touchdown passes and long runs. The game was an offensive showcase that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
2. Unbelievable Drama: The game had everything: momentum swings, crucial turnovers, and a heart-stopping final minute that had the entire stadium holding its breath. It was a game that exemplified the drama that makes college football so special.
3. Elite Talent on Display: The game featured some of the best players in college football, including Bijan Robinson, Xavier Worthy, and Jayden Daniels. The talent on the field was undeniable, and fans got to witness a rare showcase of future NFL stars.
4. High Stakes: Both teams were fighting for a spot in the national championship game. The high stakes added to the intensity, making every play feel like it could decide the outcome of the season.
5. The Final Kick: The game’s conclusion, a last-second field goal to win it all, was the perfect way to end a dramatic contest. It’s moments like these that become etched in the minds of fans for years to come.