Texas avoids huge upset, beats Arizona State 39-31 in double overtime in Peach Bowl

In a thrilling matchup that came down to the wire, the Texas Longhorns narrowly avoided a huge upset against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl. The game went into double overtime, with Texas emerging victorious by a score of 39-31.

The game was filled with dramatic moments, as both teams battled it out on the field. Arizona State seemed to have the momentum early on, taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. However, Texas refused to back down and fought their way back into the game, scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter to tie the score at 14-14 going into halftime.

The second half was just as intense, with both teams trading scores and neither able to pull away. Arizona State took a 24-21 lead late in the fourth quarter, but Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger connected with wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey on a fourth-and-long touchdown pass to keep the game going.

In the first overtime, both teams had opportunities to score, but neither was able to find the end zone. In the second overtime, Texas took advantage of an interception by Andrew Mukuba to set up a game-winning field goal and secure the 39-31 victory.

Ehlinger had an impressive performance for Texas, throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 60 yards. Running back Keaontay Ingram added 178 yards on the ground and a touchdown, while Humphrey hauled in seven catches for 134 yards and two scores.

For Arizona State, quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, but also had three interceptions. Running back Eno Benjamin rushed for 107 yards and a score, while wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk caught six passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.

The win for Texas marked their first victory in the College Football Playoff, and it was a hard-fought one at that. The Longhorns will now move on to face the winner of the Cotton Bowl, which features No. 1 seed LSU against No. 4 seed Oklahoma.

Overall, the Peach Bowl provided an exciting start to the College Football Playoff, with Texas narrowly escaping an upset and punching their ticket to the next round. The Longhorns will look to keep their momentum going as they face off against a formidable opponent in the coming weeks.