ASU vs. Texas: 2024 Peach Bowl Preview and Prediction

ASU vs. Texas: 2024 Peach Bowl Preview and Prediction

> Dane Miller gives us his game keys and picks the winner against the spread and straight-up

featured, recent 2 min read


  By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports

   January 1, 2025

Arizona State’s season has led up to this moment. The Sun Devils surpassed all expectations by winning the Big 12.

Now facing Texas in the Quarterfinal of the Playoff, the stage is theirs. No one is really expecting ASU to pull off the upset. And that’s exactly why they have a chance.

The perceived lack of respect has motivated the roster all year. Heading into the Peach Bowl, the doubt has never been louder.

How the Sun Devil players respond is up to them.

No. 5 Texas v. No. 4 Arizona State

CFP Quarterfinal
Wednesday, January 1
10:00 am PT, ESPN

Line: Texas -12.5

The Sun Devils average 1.7 turnovers forced per game. That puts them No. 21 nationally and is arguably the key to an upset.

Forcing at least two turnovers could generate the extra possessions needed to win the game. And it might come by generating a fumble.

The secondary averages 1.2 interceptions per game, but the front seven is only generating 0.5 fumble recoveries per game.

If ASU recovers a loose ball and converts the extra possession into points, the Sun Devils could be in position to win.

The Longhorns’ run defense ranks No. 11 in the country, holding opponents to just 76.0 yards per game.

Third Down is when the unit thrives. Texas is No. 5 nationally in Third-Down Conversion Percentage Defense. Opponents convert just 25.0 percent of the time.

The run defense is the key. Arizona State’s offense is premised on the ability to move the ball on the ground.

If the Texas defense wins that battle, the Longhorns will win the game.

Why Texas Wins: The defense limits the amount of broken tackles it allows to Cam Skattebo and keeps Sam Leavitt contained in the pocket.

Why Arizona State Wins: The defense wins the turnover margin, special teams doesn’t make any mistakes, and the run game is established on offense.

—My Picks—
Against Spread: Arizona State
Straight Up: Texas