"It’s pretty incredible": Texas HC Steve Sarkisian praises team's defense in Peach Bowl win against Arizona State 

Steve Sarkisian's Texas secured a difficult win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day. The Longhorns beat the Sun Devils 39-31 in double overtime at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to advance to the next stage of the College Football Playoff.

Texas' defense played a crucial role in getting the win on Wednesday. The unit made a host of crucial stops that denied Arizona State scoring opportunities. In his postgame press conference, Sarkisian commended the effort of the defense for the good work in the game.

“It’s pretty incredible. These guys do such a good job of just saying, ‘Hey, protect the end zone,’ and if it’s six inches, one yard, four yards, whatever that looks like, they’re going to stand in there.

“I think they were 3-of-6 in the red area tonight scoring, and I think that’s a byproduct of them trusting one another and trusting the scheme, but I think it’s also a byproduct of guys understanding when it’s their time to make the play, they make the play."

Steve Sarkisian's team boasts one of the best defenses in college football this season, and the unit lived up to expectations against a fired-up Arizona State team on Wednesday.

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Steve Sarkisian on the problems created by Arizona State offense

With Sam Leavitt and Cam Skattebo leading the charge on offense for Arizona State, Texas expected to have a tough time on defense. That was the case in the Peach Bowl, as the Sun Devils created a lot of problems in the encounter.

Steve Sarkisian commented on the troubles created by the opponent’s offense for his team on Wednesday. Despite the Longhorns’ defensive performance, the Sun Devils made some exploits in the game.

“We knew coming into the game that they were a tremendous ball possession team, and they did a great job of taking care of the ball,” Sarkisian said. “Tonight was no different. They held the ball for 38 minutes.

"They limit your opportunities as an offensive football team to take advantage of that and over time, what that does it their style of play is they can wear on your defense. And clearly, we got fatigued some there defensively, and their playmakers made some plays."

Arizona State recorded a total yards of 510 in the game, gaining 296 in the air and 214 on the ground, beating out Texas’ 375 total yards. Creating further problems for Steve Sarkisian's team, the Sun Devils also recorded 29 first downs in 97 plays, going 10/24 in third-down efficiency.