When fans and analysts examined the format of the new 12-team Playoff, they identified that the No. 5 seed could have an easier path to the semifinals than the top two seeds. It appears that has been the case. No. 5 Texas was the biggest favorite in the first round and is also the biggest favorite of the quarterfinals.
How to watch Arizona State vs. Texas
The rationale behind the No. 5 team’s path being easy is that the No. 12 seed would likely be a conference champion outside the top 12 teams in the rankings and get in via an automatic bid. That turned out to be true, although Clemson didn’t fit the profile of a team people envisioned. The Tigers gave Texas the most competitive game of the CFP first round, which isn’t saying much. The Longhorns still covered a 13.5-point spread.
Now, the Longhorns get Arizona State, the lowest-ranked conference champion to receive a bye. The Sun Devils finished 12th in the final CFP rankings. Texas can get to the semifinals by beating No. 16 at home and No. 12 on a neutral field.
If ASU is to pull off the upset, it will likely be on the back of running back Cam Skattebo. The former Sacramento State standout has become a cult hero at Arizona State, eventually gaining enough prominence to finish fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He’s the kind of running back you want Chris Berman to call highlights for so you can hear his sound effects for Skattebo’s physical running style.
Skattebo has 1,568 rushing yards and another 506 receiving yards this season. Only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has more total yards from scrimmage.
While ASU typically pulls out all the stops to get its star the ball, Texas’ elite defense won’t make it easy for him. The Longhorns have the second-best scoring defense in the country (13.3 points allowed per game) and are 10th in rushing yards allowed per game (104.5).
That said, Clemson gained more than 400 yards against Texas and could’ve made things interesting late if not for a goalline stand in the fourth quarter. The stars of the game were Texas’ running backs Jaydon Blue (146 yards, two touchdowns on 14 carries) and Quintrevion Wisner (110 yards, two touchdowns on 15 carries). Whichever team wins the running game should win. The odds just don’t look in Arizona State’s favor.
Arizona State vs. Texas odds
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(Photo of Cam Skattebo: Ron Jenkins / Getty Images)
