Arizona State’s remarkable comeback attempt falls short in overtime to Texas in Peach Bowl

In arguably the best game of the 12-team College Football Playoff so far, Arizona State nearly pulled off what had once seemed impossible.

In arguably the best game of the 12-team College Football Playoff so far, Arizona State nearly pulled off what had once seemed impossible. After being thoroughly dominated through three quarters, the Sun Devils mounted a gusty comeback in the game’s final quarter to force overtime against the high-powered Texas Longhorns. But the ASU charge ultimately came up just short. The Longhorns outlasted the Sun Devils 39-31 in double overtime behind Quinn Ewers’ 322 yards and four total touchdowns, including two in overtime. The 21-year-old Ewers found tight end Gunnar Helm for a 25-yard touchdown to put Texas up. On the ensuing possession, the Longhorns defense, which all but disappeared in the fourth quarter, regained form to intercept ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt to secure the win. Despite the loss, the Big 12 champion Sun Devils – picked last in their conference in the preseason – will long remember their charge to overtime. Arizona State seemed to take the message of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” to heart as it blasted throughout Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of the first overtime. Their confidence was palpable after forcing the extra period despite being down 17-8 with very little offense through three quarters.