AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Longhorns have established a formidable defense, showing resilience at the goal line that fans have come to admire. In their recent College Football Playoff match, Texas secured a narrow 34-28 victory against Clemson, and it was the late-game goal-line stands that played a crucial role in their success.
Coach Steve Sarkisian commented on his team’s defensive capabilities, emphasizing their physical style of play. “We’ve got big people, and they know how to play a physical brand of football,” he stated. “When we get challenged like that, I think that’s part of our identity.” This grit will be tested further when they face Cam Skattebo, the dynamic 5-foot-11, 215-pound All-American running back from Arizona State, known as a powerhouse on the field.
With the win against Clemson, Texas, now the No. 5 seed, improves to a 12-2 record and is set to face the No. 4 seeded Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl, scheduled for New Year’s Day. In their last outing, Skattebo certainly dazzled by scoring three touchdowns and accumulating a remarkable 170 rushing yards in Arizona State’s 45-19 triumph over Iowa State for the Big 12 championship.
Skattebo showcased his remarkable ability to evade defenders, carrying some on his back and outpacing others. Following the game, he expressed his confidence: “Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country. And I’m going to stand on that. I’m going to keep proving people wrong. Whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem.”
His statistics bolster that assertion; the AP All-American has tied school records with 19 rushing touchdowns and 22 total touchdowns. He is also just 75 yards shy of breaking the single-season rushing record of 1,642 yards. He has received the AP national player of the week title twice this season, particularly noted for his impressive performance in Week 2 against Mississippi State, where he rushed for a career-high 262 yards.
Texas players are aware and prepared for what Skattebo brings with him to Atlanta. Defensive tackle Barryn Sorrell conveyed his anticipation for the challenge, reflecting on how frequently teams claim they will overpower them with the run but often fall short. “I’d like to say there was a different result a lot of those times. Just looking forward to that challenge again,” he said.
Sorrell has played a pivotal role in securing victories with critical goal-line stands against Texas A&M and Clemson. In their previous game against Texas A&M, Texas defended their 17-7 lead by halting four consecutive attempts within their own five-yard line, which propelled them into the SEC championship game. Similarly, when Clemson threatened to reduce the deficit late in the fourth quarter, they were denied a touchdown despite reaching the Texas 1-yard line. Sorrell was instrumental in stopping Clemson running back Keith Adams Jr. on a crucial fourth down just short of the end zone.
“We take pride in not letting guys score or get in our paint,” safety Andrew Mukuba added, confirming the team’s defensive mindset. Nevertheless, the Longhorns are aware that they are not infallible; they previously lost an overtime SEC championship match to Georgia, where they allowed a touchdown from the 4-yard line.
Still, their defensive efforts have been strong enough to drive them deep into the postseason. Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron acknowledged the upcoming challenge, stating, “It’ll be an amazing challenge. He’s a hard downhill running back.” The Longhorns are gearing up for what promises to be an intense matchup against Arizona State’s potent offense.