Texas State Prediction vs. Arizona: Who wins and why?

Texas and Arizona State meet in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Day. Here’s what to watch for in the matchup, with our updated prediction for the game.

Arizona State will make its College Football Playoff debut in this game after winning the Big 12 championship and earning a first-round bye to boot.

Texas was a national semifinalist last season and earned a playoff berth for the second straight year as the SEC runner-up, defeating Clemson at home in the first round last time.

What can we expect when the Longhorns and Sun Devils meet to battle for a spot in this year’s semifinal round?

Here’s what to watch out for when Texas and Arizona State meet in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff, with our updated prediction for the game.

1. Strength versus Strength. Running back Cam Skattebo is the engine behind Arizona State’s offense, accounting for 1,568 yards this season, but he’s working against a Longhorns defense that is third in total production and 11th against the run allowing just 3.1 yards per carry.

Texas presents a formidable challenge regarding its size and strength advantage on both lines of scrimmage, and will play the two toughest fronts Arizona State has faced this year.

And while the Sun Devils have noticeably improved their own scrimmage game on both lines, the Longhorns will be challenged in this game more than any other this season.

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2. On the ground. Texas featured two 100-yard rushers in the win against Clemson to start the first round and will want to rely on Jaydon Blue and Quintevion Wisner once again in this game.

Blue ran for 973 yards and five touchdowns while Wisner covered 710 yards and scored eight times last season, but they now run into a credible obstacle up front.

Arizona State comes into the game ranked second among Big 12 teams and 27th nationally among 134 schools in run defense, allowing just 118 yards per game to opposing running backs this season.

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3. Try the deep field. Texas hasn’t played its passing offense as consistently as it would like, with quarterback Quinn Ewers putting up some occasionally erratic numbers, throwing as many interceptions as touchdowns over the last three games and being sacked nine times in that span.

Arizona State is a mixed bag in pass defense, ranking 97th among 134 FBS teams in pass success rate and 70th overall in production, but is seventh nationally with 15 interceptions and allowing Opponents complete fewer than 59 percent of their passes.

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Texas is a 12.5-point favorite against Arizona State, according to updated lines posted on FanDuel Sportsbook for the matchup.

FanDuel lists the total at 51.5 points for the game (Over -110, Under -110).

And he set the winning odds for Texas at -480 and Arizona State at +360 to win outright.

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Each team’s performance in the red zone could ultimately determine the outcome of the game.

Texas ranks just 93rd in the country when scoring from inside the 20, and only 65 percent of its possessions result in touchdowns.

Arizona State allows opponents to score touchdowns about 67 percent of the time.

There is also some concern when it comes to turnovers, as the Longhorns come into the game ranked 121st in the country with 23 turnovers, the fifth-most of any team.

The state of Arizona ranks second nationally with only 8 giveaways for the year.

Skattebo should keep the Sun Devils’ offense generating moderate gains and keep the game close from start to finish, but the Longhorns have a more aggressive passing game that can open up some holes against ASU’s secondary when necessary.

College football headquarters elects…

More… Texas vs. Result Prediction Arizona State by football model

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When: Wednesday, January 1
Where: Atlanta, Georgia.

Time: 1 pm Eastern Time
Television: ESPN network

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Game odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

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