What we learned from Texas' win over Arizona State

Texas’s win over Arizona State was a story of grit, chaos, and just enough brilliance to survive. Credit to Arizona State—they refused to back down. Cam Skattebo delivered his trademark plays, and young quarterback Sam Leavitt showed guts and determination that almost led to a shocking upset. Now, let’s break it all down.

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Steve Sarkisian: Outcoached by Dillingham and Himself

Coach Sark, you were outcoached—not just by Kenny Dillingham, but by yourself. Arizona State’s staff made better in-game adjustments, had sharper situational decisions, and found ways to expose Texas’ weaknesses. Some of that is on their brilliance, but most of it is on you. For a moment, it felt like you were gifting the game away. That said, the tight end leak call in the second overtime was a masterpiece. Credit where it’s due. But overall, consistency in game management remains a challenge, and that needs to change.

Quinn Ewers: Clutch When It Mattered

Is Quinn Ewers elite? I don’t know, but he was clutch when Texas needed him most. Period. Great players rise to the moment, and that’s exactly what Ewers did. Sure, he made some mistakes—a dangerous fourth-down sideline throw, some overthrows, and a floater that was intercepted. But nobody will remember those. What they’ll remember is the last five minutes of regulation and overtime when he carried Texas on his right arm. He delivered when the team needed him most, and that’s what matters.

The Run Game: Missing in Action

The Texas rushing attack didn’t get off the bus. What Georgia’s dominant defense did to Texas earlier this season, Arizona State’s smaller, quicker defensive line somehow repeated. Tre Wisner’s fumble in the end zone led to a safety, and one of Jaydon Blue’s touches came close to being another turnover. The offensive line couldn’t generate any push, and Texas’ staple outside zone runs were completely shut down. Credit to Arizona State for loading the box and exploiting gaps, but this was an unexpected failure from a Texas rushing unit that should have dominated.

Receivers and Tight Ends: Reliable as Ever

Matthew Golden is unquestionably Texas’s No. 1 receiver. Even if Isaiah Bond had been at full strength, Golden would still have proven why he’s the go-to guy. His clutch fourth-and-13 catch in overtime kept Texas alive and highlighted his dependability. Tight end Gunnar Helm, meanwhile, continued to earn his “Mr. Reliable” nickname, delivering key plays throughout the game, including the game-winning touchdown in double overtime. When the game was on the line, Ewers trusted these two, and they delivered.

Offensive Line: Good in Pass Pro, Bad in Discipline and Push

The offensive line gave Ewers plenty of time in the pocket, excelling in pass protection. But their run blocking was a glaring weakness. They couldn’t create lanes, and false starts in critical moments didn’t help. Discipline issues in high-pressure situations can’t happen. “You know the snap count—be still until the ball is snapped.” It’s as simple as that.

Defensive Line: Fatigued but Effective in Big Moments

The defensive line started strong, stuffing Arizona State’s run game and putting consistent pressure on Sam Leavitt. But as the game progressed, fatigue set in. Despite being visibly worn down, they made critical plays when it mattered most, including fourth-down and goal-line stops. Colin Simmons was unstoppable, proving again why he’s one of the best young players in the country. His combination of speed, motor, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for opponents. Trey Moore also had a standout game with two sacks and two tackles for loss, playing a pivotal role off the edge.

Linebackers: Quiet Performance

The linebackers had a relatively subdued game. Outside of a few tackles and some success spying the quarterback, they didn’t leave much of an impression. Against a run-heavy opponent like Arizona State, you’d expect more impact plays from this group.

Secondary: Physical but Flawed

The secondary had a demanding job, often stepping up as extra defenders against the run. Jahdae Barron, Michael Taaffe, and Andrew Mukuba led the team in tackles, showing their willingness to get physical. However, fatigue in the second half led to missed tackles and extended drives for Arizona State. Manny Muhammad had a mix of highs and lows, including a puzzling play on a halfback toss pass. Mukuba, though, sealed the game with a clutch interception in overtime, showcasing this defense’s ability to step up when it matters most.

Special Teams: Sparks and Struggles

Silas Bolden gave Texas a much-needed spark with a punt return touchdown, and for once, it wasn’t called back by a penalty. The blocked field goal was another game-changing moment—huge and perfectly timed. Shoutout to Ethan Burke for using every inch of his 6’7” frame to make that play. While we’re on the topic of special teams, can someone please alert the punt return unit to watch for the fake? That’s becoming a glaring oversight.

As for Bert Auburn, my man, you’ve got the yips. Whether it’s mental, mechanical, or a mix of both, something isn’t clicking. At this point, Texas might need to seriously consider going for it on fourth down in critical situations instead of relying on the kicking game. The inconsistency is too risky in these tight playoff games.

Third Quarter Woes: A Recurring Nightmare

The third quarter remains Texas’ biggest obstacle. It’s as if someone at Buffalo Wild Wings is pressing the red button, or the opposing team suddenly gets an assist from angels in the outfield. Against Arizona State, a critical goal-line stop was immediately followed by a Wisner fumble, resulting in a safety. These bizarre mistakes and momentum shifts happen far too often in the third quarter, and it’s something Texas must address. Self-destruction at this stage of the game can’t continue.

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Final Thoughts

Playoff football is about surviving and advancing, and Texas did just that. Despite standing in my living room, arms folded, thinking, “It can’t end like this,” they found a way to win. Now, it’s on to Ohio State!