ATLANTA — Despite a standout performance from Cam Skattebo, Arizona State was unable to overcome a series of unsuccessful fourth-down attempts in their College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup against Texas, ultimately falling 39-31 in double overtime at the Peach Bowl on Wednesday.
Skattebo, a senior running back, led Arizona State in a game where they boasted significant advantages in rushing yards, total yards, and time of possession. However, their inability to convert on four crucial fourth-down plays hampered their ability to capitalize fully on their statistical dominance.
“We moved the ball pretty well,” commented Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. “We just need to be more effective in the red zone.”
Skattebo was recognized as the offensive MVP of the game, amassing 143 rushing yards on 30 carries, along with two touchdowns, eight receptions for 99 yards, and a touchdown pass that covered 42 yards.
“He was everything we expected him to be,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “As the game went on, it felt like he gained more strength. He was fatigued and really performed like a heavyweight fighter, making some essential plays.”
Even while battling illness on the sidelines, Skattebo managed to deliver an exceptional performance. “I felt sick,” he admitted. “I drank too much water at once and it didn’t sit well, but I felt better afterward.”
Skattebo previously asserted that he was the top running back in the nation, and he solidified that claim by setting new single-season records for Arizona State with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, surpassing the previous records held by Woody Green and Eno Benjamin.
During the game, Arizona State outperformed Texas in total yards with a tally of 510 to 375, along with a significant 214-54 advantage in rushing yards. The Sun Devils executed 97 plays, controlling the ball for 37 minutes and 54 seconds — over 15 minutes longer than the Longhorns.
Entering the game, Texas, seeded fifth in the CFP, was a 12.5-point favorite against Arizona State, who came into the game with a record of 11-3. Remarkably, the Sun Devils improved from a 3-9 finish in the previous season under coach Kenny Dillingham, who led them to the Big 12 championship.
“Even though it was a tough matchup, I believe we proved we belong in that game,” Dillingham stated, addressing questions about their competitiveness.
Dillingham was rewarded with a five-year contract extension just before the game. “Honestly, I wanted the news to come out when it wouldn’t draw too much attention,” he explained post-game. “I intended for this moment to be about the game and the players, so we announced it around midnight on New Year’s to minimize media focus on me.”
Skattebo seemed taken aback by this announcement. “Wow, congratulations! I had no idea,” he said upon hearing Dillingham’s explanation.
“Exactly, it worked out,” Dillingham responded.
Reflecting on their season, Skattebo described it as “undeniable,” emphasizing their determination despite immense challenges. “We gave everything we had, and that was evident in this game. We never backed down.”
Arizona State fought hard through a challenging second quarter marked by a lack of offensive success. After a fourth-and-2 attempt at the Texas 25 resulted in a stop, they fell behind 17-3 following another failed fourth down. Leavitt found himself sacked while facing a fourth-and-10 at the Texas 34, further hindering their progress.
Despite a significant boost from punter Kanyon Floyd completing a fake punt pass for 32 yards, the Sun Devils ended the half on a frustrating note, with kicker Carston Kieffer missing a 36-yard field goal attempt that was partially blocked.
“I take responsibility for many of our challenges,” acknowledged Leavitt, who had drawn attention previously for his comments regarding his competition with Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers.
A subsequent fourth-down attempt right after halftime also resulted in a failed run by Skattebo, but this served as a turning point as the team eventually found their offensive rhythm.
