Texas vs Arizona State College Football Playoff score prediction: Insider's 2024 Peach Bowl preview feat. Quinn Ewers, Cam Skattebo and more

College Football Playoff Round 2 kicks off on New Year’s Eve and then makes its way through the first day of 2025. The second game of the quarterfinal could resemble what we saw a week ago, lopsided victories with SEC teams dominating the game.

The Sun Devils are the lowest-ranked team to receive a bye in the CFP, due solely to their victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 title game.

Texas, a former Big 12 team now in its first year as an SEC program, lost to Georgia in its conference title game and was forced to beat Clemson last week in order to advance to the quarterfinals.

Peach Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State preview

Arizona State is incredibly well-coached, but it does not have great talent on the depth chart, especially in comparison to Texas. Head coach Kenny Dillingham, who is highly regarded and will be sought out by bigger programs sooner rather than later, gets the most from his players and game plans incredibly well.

Right tackle Max Iheanachor has played incredibly well this season, and his draft stock has taken off. Coming into the season graded as a PFA, several in the scouting community believe he could now land in the fourth round.

Max Iheanachor - Source: Imagn

He’ll be blocking for Cam Skattebo, one of the most enjoyable players to watch in college football today. The running back who transferred from Sacramento State made an immediate impact for ASU and has a throwback style.

Like ball carriers of old, Skattebo enjoys dishing out punishment to defenders and would rather run over opponents than run around them. Yet he’s capable of both besides being a solid pass catcher out of the backfield.

Cam Skattebo - Source: Imagn

And while the Sun Devils have been a great story, they are overmatched by the Longhorns on paper.

Texas pass rushers Barryn Sorrell, Trey Moore, and Ethan Burke are all playmakers who will be tough to stop. Interior linemen Vernon Broughton and Bill Norton will be the toughest opponents Skattebo has faced this season.

Sun Devis star receiver Jordyn Tyson is injured and will be a game-time call. He is more than a vital part of the ASU passing attack; he is the Sun Devils passing attack.

Tyson more than doubled his nearest teammate in receptions (75), receiving yards (1,101) and touchdowns (10) this season. If he suits up, the battle against Texas corner Jahdae Barron will be one to key on.

Jordyn Tyson - Source: Imagn

The Texas offense has started slowly this season at times, and often the Longhorns find themselves playing from behind, as was the case against Clemson.

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman - Source: Imagn

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers will be pulled in favor of Arch Manning if he can’t get the offense moving in high gear against a defense that gave up more than three touchdowns and almost 300 yards per game in 2024. I don’t see it happening and believe, like the Fiesta Bowl, this game will be a blowout.

Final Score Prediction: Texas 35, Arizona State 17