Arizona State football saw a resurgence in 2024, winning 11 games and winning the conference championship for the first time since 1996. Unfortunately, both of those campaigns ended with a loss in a New Year’s Six bowl game.
The Sun Devils’ biggest game since that fateful Rose Bowl in 1997 was recently recognized by The Athletic as one of the best college football games of the 21st century. Coming in at No. 13 on the list, the 2024 Peach Bowl between ASU and Texas needed double overtime to declare a winner.
The Longhorns, heavily favored entering the College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup in Atlanta, held a 24-8 lead midway through the fourth quarter before the Sun Devils clawed their way back to tie things.
Red-shirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt and senior running back Cam Skattebo led the way for the resilient Sun Devils, who were no strangers to comebacks during the regular season. Skattebo was responsible for all three ASU touchdowns scored at Mercedes Benz Stadium, tossing a 42-yard bomb to wideout Malik McClain to cut the Texas lead to eight late in regulation.
2025 Peach Bowl earns high praise in college football rankings
Despite coming up short to the Longhorns, ASU fans can still be proud of the team’s performance and the legacy that the program has re-established for itself across the sport.
Among the other 12 contests the 2025 Peach Bowl beat out in The Athletic’s rankings were the 2004 Rose Bowl (Texas 38, Michigan 37), 2018 Texas A&M vs. LSU (74-72, LSU in 7OT), and 2007 Appalachian State vs. Michigan (34-32, App State).
Of course, as dramatic as ASU’s loss was in the CFP this past year, it stood no chance against those ranked above it. The Top Three were rounded out (in ascending order): 2013’s “Kick Six” game between Auburn and Alabama, Boise State’s Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma in 2006 and then the 2005 National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl between Texas and USC.
Regardless of the competition, it’s a big deal to have ASU back in the upper echelon of college football lore… even it was for a loss.
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