ATLANTA – In a nail-biting College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal, the Texas Longhorns, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, showcased their resilience and determination with a heart-stopping 39-31 victory over Arizona State. The thrilling double-overtime game, held at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, not only marked Texas's advancement to the semifinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, where they'll clash with Ohio State, but also highlighted the tenacity that has become synonymous with the Longhorns this season.

Ewers, who is proving to be a clutch player, revels in the team's remarkable comeback. “We had them right where we wanted them,” he remarked, reflecting on his critical touchdown pass on fourth-and-13 during the first overtime. His performance continued to shine as he delivered another touchdown in the second overtime, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.

Despite a dismal offensive performance for much of the game, Texas managed to rally back, even after squandering a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. Coach Steve Sarkisian commended the team's spirit, emphasizing that their "toughness and fight" were key attributes that enabled them to seize victory against the odds.

The Longhorns' offense faced significant challenges, struggling to establish a ground game and frequently finding themselves in difficult third-down situations. At one crucial point, Ewers was sacked in the end zone for a safety—the first of its kind in CFP history—giving Arizona State a glimmer of hope as they fought back from a 17-3 deficit.

As tensions escalated in the first overtime, Arizona State surged ahead 31-24, putting Texas’s season on the line. Ewers faced a daunting fourth-and-13 from the Arizona State 28-yard line, but with keen awareness and adaptability, he changed the play call. The resulting 28-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Golden not only kept Texas's hopes alive but also demonstrated their ability to perform under immense pressure.

In the second overtime, Texas took control after Ewers expertly connected with tight end Gunnar Helm for a touchdown that showcased the team’s practiced precision. A successful two-point conversion followed, leaving the Longhorns in a commanding position.

The Texas defense, which had been a backbone throughout the game, faced its own set of challenges. After being worn down by Arizona State's lengthy possession, the defensive unit dug deep. Safety Andrew Mukuba, a key player who transferred from Clemson, emerged as a crucial figure in the game’s decisive moment. With Arizona State threatening, Mukuba intercepted a pass, sealing the win for Texas.

The celebration that erupted on the field was a stark contrast to last year's disappointing semifinal exit against Washington. This triumphant victory places Texas on the verge of a national championship opportunity, with just 19 days to prepare for their upcoming showdown against Ohio State. As a testament to their resolve, the Longhorns have been slated as five-point underdogs in the matchup.

Ewers encapsulated the team's journey: “It sure does feel a whole lot better to be on this side of things,” he said, reflecting on their collective effort and resilience. With each momentum swing that challenged them, the Longhorns emerged stronger than ever, ready to chase their ultimate goal—the coveted national championship title.