UPSET ALERT: 3 Reasons Why Texas’ Playoff Dreams May Get Shattered by Arizona State

UPSET ALERT: 3 Reasons Why Texas’ Playoff Dreams May Get Shattered by Arizona State

As the College Football Playoff race heats up, the University of Texas Longhorns have found themselves in the thick of the conversation. With a strong season under their belts and a talented roster, Texas has emerged as one of the premier contenders for a playoff spot. However, as they prepare to face Arizona State in a critical matchup, there are legitimate concerns that the Longhorns’ playoff dreams may be shattered by an unexpected upset.

Though Texas has looked formidable for much of the season, Arizona State, despite being an underdog, has proven to be a scrappy team capable of pulling off surprises. In a game that will carry enormous implications for the Longhorns’ postseason hopes, it is crucial to analyze the reasons why Texas’ playoff hopes could falter against the Sun Devils.

In this article, we will break down the three key factors that could potentially lead to Texas’ playoff dreams being dashed by Arizona State. From Texas’ struggles in key areas to Arizona State’s potential to exploit weaknesses, we explore why the Longhorns cannot afford to overlook this challenge.

1. Texas’ Inconsistent Quarterback Play

One of the most significant questions surrounding Texas’ playoff aspirations is their quarterback play. While Quinn Ewers, Texas’ star quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance, there have been consistent concerns about his ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Throughout the season, the Longhorns have struggled with inconsistency at the quarterback position, and against a team like Arizona State, any slip-ups can be catastrophic.

Ewers has had moments where he has looked like one of the top quarterbacks in college football, displaying strong arm talent and the ability to make tough throws in critical moments. However, his inconsistency has been evident in several games where he has failed to maintain his composure, resulting in untimely interceptions, inaccurate passes, and an overall lack of rhythm in the offense.

The Arizona State defense, under the leadership of head coach Kenny Dillingham, is no stranger to exploiting quarterback mistakes. With a secondary that has shown the ability to make big plays and an aggressive defensive front, the Sun Devils will undoubtedly target Ewers’ weaknesses. If Texas’ quarterback play is anything less than stellar, it could give Arizona State the opening they need to disrupt the game and capitalize on turnovers or poor decision-making.

Texas’ offensive line has also been inconsistent at times this season, which could exacerbate Ewers’ struggles. If Arizona State can pressure Ewers effectively, forcing him into bad decisions, Texas could quickly find themselves in a hole they cannot climb out of. The Sun Devils’ defense is opportunistic, and any lapses from Ewers could lead to turnovers that severely damage Texas’ chances of staying in the playoff hunt.

If Texas is to hold on to its playoff aspirations, they need to see better consistency from their quarterback. Ewers will need to step up and lead his team, making smart decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. If he falters, however, it could be Arizona State’s golden opportunity to spoil Texas’ dreams.

2. Arizona State’s Ability to Control the Clock with a Physical Ground Game

Arizona State’s offense has had a reputation for being versatile, but one of the most dangerous aspects of their attack is their ability to control the game with a powerful, physical running game. The Sun Devils have a solid stable of running backs, led by one of the conference’s most underrated rushers, who have the ability to grind out long drives, shorten the game, and keep Texas’ explosive offense on the sidelines.

In games where Texas has struggled in the past, it has been against teams that are able to control the tempo and dominate time of possession. Arizona State’s ground game is built to do exactly that. If the Sun Devils can establish their rushing attack early and wear down the Texas defense, they will not only limit the number of possessions Texas gets but also keep their own defense fresh, ready to capitalize on any mistakes the Longhorns’ offense makes.

The Longhorns’ defense, while talented, has shown vulnerability at times, particularly when defending the run. Against teams with strong offensive lines and talented running backs, Texas has occasionally had trouble stopping the run. Arizona State will look to exploit this by running the ball down Texas’ throat, controlling the clock, and making life difficult for the Longhorns’ defense.

If Arizona State can sustain long, methodical drives and keep Texas’ offense off the field, it could put immense pressure on the Longhorns to score quickly when they do get the ball. The longer Texas’ defense is on the field, the more fatigued they will become, which opens the door for Arizona State to exploit mismatches and gain momentum.

Furthermore, controlling the clock also serves as a mental advantage for Arizona State. It gives their players confidence, keeps Texas on their heels, and limits the number of opportunities for Ewers and the explosive Texas offense to make big plays. If Arizona State can impose their will with the run game, the Longhorns’ playoff dreams could be in serious jeopardy.

3. Arizona State’s Defensive Playmakers: A Potential Game-Changer

The third reason Texas’ playoff aspirations may get shattered by Arizona State is the Sun Devils’ defense. While Arizona State may not be considered an elite defensive unit in the traditional sense, they have a group of playmakers who are capable of making huge plays at critical moments. In a game with high stakes like this, having game-changing defenders is crucial, and Arizona State has a few individuals who could be the difference-makers.

Arizona State’s defense is opportunistic, and they have a knack for forcing turnovers. In particular, their defensive backs have demonstrated the ability to jump routes and intercept passes, which could prove fatal to Texas if Ewers continues to struggle with consistency. If Texas’ offense gets sloppy or Ewers tries to force throws into coverage, Arizona State’s defensive playmakers could turn those mistakes into game-changing turnovers.

In addition, the Sun Devils boast a pass rush that can be disruptive. While not necessarily one of the top pass-rushing teams in the country, Arizona State has players capable of creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If they can apply consistent pressure on Ewers and make him uncomfortable in the pocket, the Sun Devils could rattle the Texas quarterback and cause him to make poor decisions. As mentioned before, Texas’ offensive line has had its share of inconsistencies, which could open the door for Arizona State to disrupt Texas’ passing attack.

Another factor that makes Arizona State’s defense dangerous is their ability to adapt and adjust in-game. Arizona State’s defensive coordinator has shown a willingness to change his strategy depending on how the game is progressing. If Texas starts to establish a rhythm, Arizona State will likely make the necessary adjustments, whether it’s by adding extra defenders in the box to stop the run or by switching up coverages to confuse Ewers. This adaptability makes Arizona State a difficult team to game-plan against, and they could easily take Texas by surprise with unexpected defensive schemes or blitz packages.

If Texas is unable to protect the football and avoid critical turnovers, Arizona State’s defense could quickly turn the game in their favor, ultimately shattering the Longhorns’ playoff dreams. The Sun Devils’ ability to make plays at crucial moments, whether through turnovers, sacks, or interceptions, could prove to be the downfall of Texas if they don’t clean up their play.

Conclusion: A Shocking Upset Looms for Texas

Texas’ playoff dreams are very much alive, but they are far from secure. Arizona State may be an underdog, but they are a dangerous opponent who has the ability to capitalize on Texas’ weaknesses and exploit areas where the Longhorns have been inconsistent. From the inconsistent quarterback play of Quinn Ewers to the Sun Devils’ ability to control the clock with a physical running game, Texas must be on high alert if they are to avoid a shocking upset.

Arizona State’s defense, with its ability to create turnovers and apply pressure, further complicates matters for Texas. The Longhorns cannot afford to make mistakes in critical moments or underestimate the Sun Devils’ resilience and game-planning.

In the unpredictable world of college football, upsets happen all the time, and if Texas does not bring their A-game, Arizona State could very well shatter their playoff dreams in dramatic fashion. For Texas to remain in contention for a College Football Playoff spot, they must address their weaknesses, execute with precision, and avoid the costly errors that could derail their season. The road ahead is still uncertain, and Arizona State could very well be the team that writes the next chapter in Texas’ quest for a national championship.