Arizona State vs Texas Picks: ASU Best Bet to Cover January 1st
- The Texas vs Arizona State betting lines feature a double-digit spread.
- Arizona State ranks 20th in EPA per rush on defense.
- Arizona State has held opposing defenses to just 3.8 yards per carry.
- Get all the CFP odds at BetUS sportsbook.


Place your bets on Arizona State vs Texas at BetUS Sportsbook!

The New Year’s Day Peach Bowl serves as a spicy appetizer for the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Texas is a -12 favorite to steamroll past Arizona State, with the Over/Under set at 51. The Longhorns are fresh off a gritty win over Clemson while the Sun Devils ride a six-game win streak and a Big 12 title into their biggest game of the year.
Sure, Texas has more blue-chip recruits than Arizona State has sunrises, but let’s pump the brakes on that blowout talk. The Sun Devils have covered six straight games, and they’re primed to make this one closer than the experts think. Let’s dive into some NCAAF predictions to explain why ASU keeps it within 12.
Texas vs Arizona State Game Information
- Game: Texas (12-2) vs Arizona State (11-2)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
- Day/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1:00 p.m. ET
- Texas vs Arizona State Live Stream: Fubo.tv
Check the latest Texas vs Arizona State betting trends here.
2 Betting Keys for Texas vs Arizona State
1. ASU’s Defense Will Slow Longhorns
Arizona State’s defense is no joke. Ranked 20th in EPA per rush, the Sun Devils are one of the stingiest units in the nation at stopping the runs. They’ve held opposing offenses to 117.5 rushing yards per game on just 3.8 yards per carry, making life challenging for Texas’ ground attack.
That highlights Quinn Ewers, the Texas quarterback who’s been wildly inconsistent. Over his last five games, Ewers has averaged 229 yards per game with seven touchdowns and four interceptions — a stat line that screams “potential danger.”
Arizona State’s pass rush isn’t elite, but its secondary has a knack for creating turnovers. With 22 takeaways on the season (No. 8 nationally per NCAAF betting trends), ASU has the tools to turn Ewers’ mistakes into points.
If the Sun Devils can force Texas to lean on Ewers and limit the Longhorns in the red zone, where ASU ranks outside the top 100 in touchdown percentage allowed, this game will stay much closer than the NCAAF odds suggest.
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2. Cam Skattebo Can Carry the Load?
Let’s talk about Arizona State’s MVP: running back Cam Skattebo. The Big 12’s best-kept secret, Skattebo is a human battering ram who has bulldozed his way to NCAAF news headlines and an all-conference season in the Big 12.
His ability to pick up tough yards and keep the chains moving will be critical against a Texas defense that has struggled against physical rushing attacks.
Cam Skattebo AGAIN 😱 pic.twitter.com/Q1TcSYhncr
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 7, 2024
Texas’ run defense is solid on paper but has cracks in key moments, particularly against dynamic backs like Skattebo. The Sun Devils will rely heavily on him to control the tempo and keep Texas’ offense off the field. Keep him in mind for NCAAF player prop picks.
Arizona State’s offense isn’t flashy, but it’s efficient. With dual-threat QB Ben Leavitt adding wrinkles in the run game, ASU can exploit Texas’ aggressive front seven and create chunk plays.
The Sun Devils have averaged 32.1 points per game during their win streak, and while Texas’ defense is a step up from what they’ve faced, ASU has shown it can rise to the occasion and cover the college football spread.
Texas vs Arizona State Best Betting Pick: ASU +12
Texas may have more talent on paper, but games aren’t played on spreadsheets. Arizona State’s defense is disciplined, its run game is relentless, and its ability to force turnovers makes the Sun Devils a dangerous underdog.
While the Longhorns will likely win outright, the Sun Devils have the grit and game plan to keep this one close. Take Arizona State to cover +12 in NCAA football picks and keep things interesting in the Peach Bowl.
Bet on Texas vs Arizona State: ASU +12
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets
Question of the Day
When was the last time the Texas Longhorns won a National Championship?
Texas has claimed four Division I-A National Titles, the last coming in 2005.