Former Jets QB hails Steve Sarkisian's tactical masterclass after Quinn Ewers dominates Arizona State

The 2025 Peach Bowl was a rollercoaster where Steve Sarkisian and Quinn Ewers' Texas Longhorns edged past the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Longhorns came away with a 39-31 double-overtime victory, securing their place in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Sarkisian’s play-calling was on full display, including a game-changing touchdown pass with former New York Jets QB Chris Simms raving. Breaking down the play on The Wrap-Up, Simms called it a “cool design by Sark,” pointing out how the setup outsmarted Arizona State HC Kenny Dillingham’s defense.

Simms's play featured a five-man rush with two linebackers and a safety attacking the middle while defensive ends dropped into the flats. Simms named the play - “Hey diddle diddle, three up the middle":

"So you see these three defenders right here. We got two backers and a safety essentially stacked over the middle right, we got two wide techniques by the defensive tackles, and we are going to pressure right up the middle with those three defenders.

"It's only going to be a five-man rush, but what we're going to get is this defensive end is going to drop out in the flat, these three defenders here, these three DBs have these two guys, and that is their only concern. A cool design here by Sark, right we're going to get a quick inside release, press vertically, and then we're going to get like an off the ball corner route." [01:00]

Ewers’ patience and precise throw capitalized on Sarkisian’s creative route combinations, exposing flat-footed defenders and delivering the decisive touchdown. Sarkisian and his men will now meet the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl.

Steve Sarkisian almost saw an end to Texas' season against ASU in the Peach Bowl

Steve Sarkisian and his men saw their 2024 college football season almost crumble in front of their eyes against ASU in the Peach Bow. The one-sided affair became a double overtime game, thanks to Sun Devils RB - Cam Skattebo.

Sarkisian’s squad started strong but faltered in a second-half collapse that nearly ended their season. After racing to a 14-3 lead with a quick touchdown and a punt return by Silas Bolden, Texas’ offense switched off.

Ewers extended the lead to 24-8 with a five-yard touchdown run in the fourth, but Skattebo answered and led a furious comeback in the later stages of the game. The Texas quarterback threw an interception, allowing Arizona State to tie the game at 24.

Texas even missed a game-winning field goal, sending the matchup to overtime. A clutch 28-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Matthew Golden saved the Longhorns in extra time.