As the No. 5 Texas Longhorns prepare to face the No. 4 Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, identifying and exploiting Texas’ vulnerabilities is crucial for Arizona State. One significant area of concern for Texas is its pass defense.
Throughout the 2024 season, Texas has struggled to contain opposing aerial attacks. The Longhorns ranked No. 116 nationally in pass defense, allowing an average of 254.4 passing yards per game. This vulnerability was evident in their Sugar Bowl performance, where they conceded 420 passing yards, with the opposing quarterback completing 76% of his passes.
Arizona State’s offense, led by a proficient quarterback and a versatile receiving corps, is well-positioned to capitalize on this weakness. Implementing a game plan that emphasizes quick, precise passing routes can exploit gaps in Texas’ secondary. Utilizing play-action passes and misdirection may further challenge the Longhorns’ defensive backfield, potentially leading to significant yardage gains and scoring opportunities.
Additionally, Texas has shown susceptibility to turnovers, having committed 23 turnovers during the season, the highest among the remaining playoff teams. This includes fumbles, dropped passes, and interceptions. Arizona State’s defense can exploit this by applying consistent pressure on Texas’ quarterback, forcing hurried throws, and capitalizing on any mistakes to create turnover opportunities.
While Texas enters the Peach Bowl as a 12.5-point favorite, Arizona State’s strategic exploitation of the Longhorns’ pass defense deficiencies and turnover tendencies could pave the way for a potential upset. Executing a disciplined, aggressive game plan that targets these specific weaknesses will be essential for the Sun Devils to advance in the College Football Playoff.
For a more in-depth analysis of how Arizona State can leverage Texas’ weaknesses, you might find the following discussion insightful: