Texas Football will take on the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day. After beating the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs, the Longhorns are well-rested and ready for a new challenge.
Slowing down Cam Skattebo will be tough for the Longhorns' defense. However, they have slowed down some brutal offenses throughout the season. I'm sure they can handle the Sun Devils and what their offense will bring to the game.
The Longhorns might have some outrageous and bold stats against the Sun Devils. Quinn Ewers could throw over 400 yards. Quintrevion Wisner and Jaydon Blue could combine for over 300 yards rushing.
The defense could hold Skattebo to under 150 yards rushing in the peach bowl Jahdae Barron, and the Longhorns secondary could grind Arizona State's passing game to a halt. Here are four bold predictions for the Longhorns against the Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl.
Bold predictions for Texas football vs. Arizona State: 4. Wisner and Blue combine for over 300 yards
The Longhorns have their version of "Sonic and Knuckles" in Austin. Wisner and Blue have stepped up after CJ Baxter tore his ACL during practice in the fall and was ruled out for the season. We will see another impressive game from both in the Peach Bowl.
My first bold prediction is both running backs will combine for over 300 yards rushing against the Sun Devils. Quinn Ewers needs both of them to be at their best if they want to advance to the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas. Expect both running backs to knock the Sun Devils out of the College Football Playoffs.
3. Quinn Ewers throws for 350 yards
My second bold prediction is that Quinn Ewers will throw for around 350 yards against the Sun Devils. Arizona State's defensive line makes running the ball down the middle tough, so expect more of a passing game from the Longhorns in the Peach Bowl.
Ewers had an excellent passing performance against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. He threw for 202 yards and only missed seven of his passes. If this version of Ewers shows up and throws for 350 yards, Texas should advance to the Cotton Bowl.
2. Skattebo runs for less than 150 yards
Arizona State's running back, Cam Skattebo, will face a monster of a defensive line next week. Texas's Defensive line is known for stuffing opposing running backs trying to run the ball up the middle. While he's had a great season with the Sun Devils, it could come to a crashing halt against Texas.
My third bold prediction is that the Longhorns will hold Skattebo under 150 yards rushing in the Peach Bowl. The Sun Devils love to run him right up the middle and that's where Texas's strength on defense comes into play. If the Longhorns make Skattebo obsolete next week, they will advance to the Cotton Bowl.
1. Jahdae Barron issues a "no-fly zone"
Jahdae Barron and the Longhorns' secondary are among the best in college football this season. Opposing teams are having a hard time passing the ball against this elite unit of defensive backs. I expect them to show up in a big way against the Sun Devils on New Year's Day.
My final bold prediction is the Longhorns' secondary will have four interceptions against the Sun Devils. Clemson had trouble throwing the ball down the field for most of the game against the Longhorns. We could see them shutting down the Sun Devils passing game and eliminating them from the College Football Playoffs.