Texas Mascot Bevo to Be at CFP Semifinal vs. Ohio State After Peach Bowl Ban
Jan 3, 2025
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 14: Bevo XV enters the stadium befor the game between the Texas Longhorns and the UTSA Roadrunners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The University of Texas announced Friday that its live mascot, Bevo, will be in attendance for the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10.
Bevo, who is a type of cattle called a Texas longhorn, was not permitted to be on the sidelines for Wednesday's Peach Bowl against Arizona State at Mercedes Benz-Stadium in Atlanta.
The Peach Bowl released a statement in advance of the game, noting that there was "not enough room" for Bevo on the sidelines, and that the safety of Bevo, the players and everyone else involved with the game was being prioritized.
The original Bevo made his debut at a Texas football game on Thanksgiving Day in 1916, and the mascot has been a staple ever since.
Texas' current mascot is Bevo XV, who has served in his role since 2016.
Despite blowing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter, Texas survived in the Peach Bowl, beating Arizona State 39-31 in double overtime to advance to the CFP semis.
Conversely, Ohio State was in firm control from start to finish when it beat No. 1-seeded and previously undefeated Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl to set up a massive clash with the Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.
The Cotton Bowl will take place at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and the steps have apparently been taken to safely accommodate Bevo's presence.
Whoever wins the Cotton Bowl meeting between a pair of legendary college football programs will move on to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Jan. 20.
There, either Texas or Ohio State will face the winner of the Jan. 9 Orange Bowl between Notre Dame and Penn State.
Steve Sarkisian Praises Quinn Ewers' 'Composure and Poise' After Texas Beats ASU
Jan 1, 2025
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Head Coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns and his team hold up the Game Ball after the Texas Longhorns versus Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian praised his starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers, for his "composure and poise" following Wednesday's 39-31 double-overtime playoff victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils.
"If I can be the model of composure and Quinn can be the model of composure and poise, that permeates throughout our team," Sarkisian said after the win. "Some great plays. (Andrew) Mukuba with a great pick, Matt Golden, Gunnar Helm. Bunch of guys making big plays."
TEXAS HANGS ON TO BEAT ARIZONA STATE IN THE PEACH BOWL 🤯😱
Ewers finished the Peach Bowl quarterfinal by completing 20-of-30 attempts for 322 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
After facing a 24-8 deficit early in the fourth quarter, the Sun Devils fought back, scoring two touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions to tie it 24-24 and send the game into overtime.
"What a swing of emotions throughout this entire game," Sarkisian said. "One thing that's been true about our team all year is their resiliency. We continue to fight back regardless of what odds we're up against. Some great plays there in overtime. We stubbed our toe there a little, we need to play better football than we played today. But surely, man, our fight was pretty cool."
Texas will face the winner of the Oregon Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl Classic for a spot in the CFP national title game.
Quinn Ewers, Texas' CFP Win vs. Skattebo, ASU Hailed as Instant Classic by CFB Fans
Jan 1, 2025
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 01: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The first competitive game of the 12-team College Football Playoff format saw Texas survive a 39-31 double-overtime win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl to advance to the semifinals after blowing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter.
If you started watching the game when there was 7:43 remaining in the third quarter through the end of regulation, you saw drives end in this order with a safety, field goal, touchdown, touchdown, interception, touchdown, missed field goal, punt and a missed field goal.
The two missed field goals were by Texas kicker Bert Auburn from 48 and 38 yards, with the latter coming as time expired in regulation.
Fans were quick to hail the game as an instant classic after the dramatic fourth quarter and overtime periods.
This game is one of the finest I’ve seen in a LONG time. I thought ASU was going to get blown out after a quick 14-3 Texas lead. Skattebo is the real deal.
This Arizona State - Texas game really looked like it was out of hand but has turned into a great game. Kenny Dillingham, the 34 year old ASU coach continues to build his reputation.
The Longhorns scored on back-to-back plays in overtime, with the first touchdown coming when Ewers, who went 20-of-30 for 322 yards with three touchdowns and an interception, hit Matthew Golden in the end zone on a 4th-and-13 from Arizona State's 28-yard line to tie the game after the Sun Devils scored on their opening possession.
Golden finished the game with 149 yards and a score on seven catches. It's his second time surpassing the 100-yard mark all season, previously hitting the mark in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia (162 yards).
Texas followed that up by starting the second overtime with another Ewers touchdown pass, this time to Gunnar Helm and the two-point conversion extended the lead to eight. Arizona State's attempt to tie the game was thwarted when Sam Leavitt was picked off by Andrew Mukuba.
Texas opened the game looking like it was going to make easy work of Arizona State. The Longhorns scored 14 points in the first eight minutes of the game, despite running just two offensive plays at that point.
Their first touchdown was a 23-yard touchdown catch by DeAndre Moore Jr. on a pass from Quinn Ewers. They scored again on Silas Bolden's 75-yard punt return after the defense forced a three-and-out on Arizona State's ensuing possession.
That would be the last time Texas got into the end zone until Ewers' five-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 24-8.
Arizona State found new life on a trick play when Cam Skattebo threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Malik McClain on fourth-and-2, followed by a two-point conversion to the cut the deficit to 24-16.
After a Ewers interception on Texas' next possession, the Sun Devils were able to tie the score by going 79 yards in just three plays. They were aided by three penalties from Texas, including a hold on the two-point conversion that gave Arizona State a second attempt.
Skattebo put together one of the most absurd stat lines you will ever see in defeat. The Sun Devils superstar had 143 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries, 99 receiving yards on eight catches and a 42-yard touchdown pass.
Skattebo did all of that while vomiting and needing to receive an IV on the sideline entering the fourth quarter.
Arizona State's first year in the Big 12 was a rousing success with the program's first outright conference title and 11-win season since 1996. It shared the Pac-10 title in 2007 with USC.
After surviving the Peach Bowl, Texas will next play on Jan. 10 in the Cotton Bowl in the Playoff semifinal. They will take on the winner of the Rose Bowl between Ohio State and Oregon.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to a game against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is reportedly receiving offers from other schools even before the end of his 2024 season with the Longhorns.
Ewers has received a $6 million offer to enter the NCAA transfer portal rather than the NFL draft this spring, according to On3's Pete Nakos.
According to Nakos, "multiple Power Four schools" are working to get Ewers in the portal ahead of his final year of college eligibility.
NEW: Tampering is at an all-time high with Texas QB Quinn Ewers, @PeteNakos_ reports.
Ewers and the Longhorns are currently preparing to take on Arizona State in the Peach Bowl on Wednesday. The winner will advance to face either Oregon or Ohio State in the CFP semifinals.
Nakos' report comes ahead of the potential closing of Ewers' window as the QB1 in Austin.
Arch Manning has said he has no intention of entering the transfer portal this offseason. After two seasons of serving as Ewers' backup, he will be campaigning for the starting job in 2025.
Ewers could also choose to enter the NFL draft, where it seems likely that there will be more NFL teams in need of quarterbacks than there are consensus top prospects.
When asked about his future ahead of the playoff, Ewers said he was "not sure yet" what he planned to do.
"I'm just trying to win these games. I haven't thought about anything beyond that," Ewers said on Dec. 16, per Eric Henry of Horns247.
Where Ewers finishes on pro draft boards could ultimately be determined by how far he is able to lead Texas in the first expanded CFP.
Ewers went 17-of-24 for 202 yards and a touchdown, while also recording an interception on a dropped pass, to lead Texas to a 38-24 first-round win over Clemson.
The Texas starter has struggled with red-zone efficiency throughout his third season as a college starter. If he is able to show progress inside the 20 while leading the Longhorns to a win over ASU, he could increase his draft stock while boosting how much other college programs are willing to pay to keep him in the NCAA.
Kevin Durant Says Texas Will 'Walk Through' ASU in CFP: 'We'll Hand Them This L'
Dec 30, 2024
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 14: Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder enjoys the game from the sidelines as the Texas Longhorns host the Mississippi Rebels on September 14, 2013 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Plenty of Arizona State football fans surely cheer for Kevin Durant when he takes the floor for the Phoenix Suns, but they aren't going to love what he said about Wednesday's College Football Playoff game between the Sun Devils and his Texas Longhorns.
"I love the matchup for us," the former Texas star said, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. "I think we're going to walk through those boys. I feel like we're going to put foot in them. "… We'll hand them this L. They can learn a lot from that."
Durant played at Texas during the 2006-07 men's basketball season, so his support for his school comes as no surprise.
And he also showed some love to the Sun Devils when he said, "Rooting against ASU so hard. I can't wait to talk (expletive) to ASU fans if we win that one, but it's pretty cool actually to see the energy in Phoenix, Tempe, around ASU. For them to be in the playoff and playing in a big game like that, that's huge."
Arizona State has been one of the best stories of the college football season, as the program entered the 2024 campaign coming off back-to-back 3-9 efforts.
All it did this season was win the Big 12 and go 11-2 while earning the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye in the inaugural 12-team CFP. A quarterfinal showdown against Texas is hardly a reward, but it is a testament to head coach Kenny Dillingham's efforts that the Sun Devils are in such a position in just his second season at the helm.
Texas did not get a first-round bye and had to earn its way to the quarterfinals with a home victory over 12th-seeded Clemson.
While the Longhorns have impressive talent and are surely one of the best teams in the country, they also didn't exactly play a loaded schedule. Georgia is the only team Texas faced before the CFP that ended up in the final Top 25 of the playoff rankings, and the Bulldogs won both head-to-head matchups.
Perhaps the Sun Devils can jump out to a quick lead and create some doubt on Texas' sideline, but Durant doesn't believe that is how it will unfold.
Video: Arch Manning Will Stay at Texas So Doesn't 'Really Know' About Transfer Portal
Dec 30, 2024
Texas quarterback Arch Manning doesn't plan on experiencing a change of scenery anytime soon.
When asked about potential changes to the transfer portal, Manning confirmed that he sees himself staying with the Longhorns.
"I mean, I really have no plans on entering the portal or anything," Manning said. "So I don't really know about it, about all the windows and everything. I'm probably the wrong guy to ask about it too."
The current transfer system includes an early national signing day period that runs from Dec. 4 through Dec. 6 as well as a portal window that opens from Dec. 9 until Dec. 28. The format has been criticized by many, including Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.
"It really is a dumb system," Kiffin said on Dec. 10, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN).
As for Manning, he doesn't appear to be considering a transfer.
Quinn Ewers has served as Texas' starting quarterback in 2024, but his future with the team is uncertain amid rumors that he may declare for the 2025 NFL draft. Ewers still has one year of college eligibility remaining, which he could use to return to the Longhorns or enter the portal himself.
If he's not back at Texas in 2025, all signs are pointing towards Manning taking over under center. The 19-year-old was listed as the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
Manning appeared in nine games as a replacement for Ewers throughout his 2024 campaign, showing why he's considered the Longhorns' future starter. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 939 yards and nine touchdowns compared to just two interceptions.
Texas excelled during its first year in the SEC, owning a 12-2 record and advancing to face Arizona State in the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff.
As the Longhorns look to end their 2024 campaign on a high note, Manning isn't eyeing a transfer decision as he prepares to potentially transition to a full-time starting role in 2025.
Texas Live Mascot Bevo XV Not Allowed on Peach Bowl Sideline for CFP Game vs. ASU
Dec 23, 2024
AUSTIN, TX - DECEMBER 21: Bevo is led into the stadium before the CFP First Round game between Texas Longhorns and Clemson Tigers on December 21, 2024, at Darrell K Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texas will be without a key member of its family for its College Football Playoff game against Arizona State on New Year's Day.
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl announced on Monday that Texas' live steer mascot Bevo XV won't be allowed on the field due to space constraints on the sidelines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta:
Per Sam Khan Jr. of The Athletic, Bevo weighs more than 1,700 pounds and has a horn span of more than 58 inches. It was also forced to miss the SEC Championship against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the same reasons, and the Longhorns ended up losing to the Bulldogs for the second time this season.
"It doesn't look like we're going to have the space that we need to erect his enclosure," Matt Garvey, the vice president of communications for the Peach Bowl, said Monday. "So, for the safety of Bevo and the players and the media and the camera crews that are on site there, it doesn't look like we're going to be able to accommodate him."
The SEC explained in a statement earlier this month that it had looked into alternatives to accommodate Bevo for the conference title game but determined that it wasn't possible.
"The reality is there is limited sideline space at the stadium," the conference said in a statement on Dec. 5. "We can't jeopardize the safety of Bevo or the game participants. With the narrow sidelines, location of multiple sets for television and camera carts, there is not enough space. While we want to honor tradition across the conference, the space limitation is a reality."
The Longhorns defeated Clemson 38-24 in their CFP first-round game. Texas will be facing an Arizona State team that hasn't played since defeating Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship on Dec. 7.
Quinn Ewers, Texas Excite CFB Fans in Win vs. Dabo, Clemson to Advance in CFP Bracket
Dec 22, 2024
AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns warms up prior to a game against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The Texas Longhorns are headed to the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.
Texas grabbed a lead early and remained firmly ahead of No. 12 Clemson, taking a 38-24 victory over the Tigers to secure a date with Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.
The Longhorns produced 497 total yards and possessed the ball for 31:40. Clemson had a solid day offensively as well, producing 412 yards, but had no answer for the Longhorns rushing attack. The Tigers also struggled to capitalize in the red zone.
That was probably the best game of the year from Texas. Outdid Clemson in all three phases across all four quarters. Really hard to not feel fantastic ahead of the Peach Bowl on New Years Day.
Clemson finishes the season 10-4 and will look to regroup in 2025 as the defending ACC Champions. Texas, meanwhile, has a lot of work to do.
The 12-2 Longhorns will face a Sun Devils squad that has won five straight games and has a star running back in Cam Skattebo. Arizona State also has some extra rest and have had some time to scout the Longhorns.
Still, Texas' performance shows what it is capable of and that the Longhorns are a true threat to win the College Football Playoff.
Matthew Golden NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Texas WR
Dec 18, 2024
HEIGHT: 6'0"
WEIGHT: 195
POSITIVES
— Great long speed and burst off the ball to create explosive plays down the field.
— Separation creator due to sharp and crisp route running ability.
— Speed modulation to keep defensive backs on their heels.
— Catch point competitiveness with good hand-eye coordination and body control.
NEGATIVES
— Consistency with use of hands in contact window to combat long-limbed physical corners.
— Has battled injuries over the past few seasons, five missed games prior to 2024.
— Cleaning up concentration drops, accounted for 13 over the least three seasons.
— Play strength concerns contribute to struggles sustaining run blocks, after initital contact.
Matthew Golden is an explosive and dynamic receiver with positional flexibility.
Golden makes plays from multiple wide receiver positions, X, slot, & Z. He separates from coverage well with his innate ability to decelerate and accelerate in and out of his breaks. He sells go-routes on the vertical plane well to push the cornerback upfield creating space for him to break downhill and back towards the quarterback. He modulates speeds to Golden is a crisp route runner who separators well at the top of his route. He is a quick mover with sharp plants to pivot in the right direction. Golden can suddenly change directions and lose his man coverage defender. He works the inside leverage well before cutting between the hashes into the middle of the field.
Golden's speed and acceleration will take the top off the defense; generating explosive plays through the air to back safeties off and create lighter defensive fronts against the run. He will take the primary corner and deep safety vertical; essentially freeing up underneath routes for his teammates. His acceleration is outstanding and on display after the catch. Golden can explode past defenders after catching an underneath target in space. He shifts gears quickly in space and can eat up grass for maximum YAC.
In contested catch situations, Golden displays good body control as he elevates in the air to make a play. He is competitive at the catch point and can reel in difficult grabs. Golden's ability to contort his body and maintain control to stay in bounds is impressive.
As a run blocker, Golden leaves a lot to be desired. He struggles to sustain leverage or the block. He lacks the play strength and physicality to operate as a play-side crackback blocker. He is easily shed by defenders and displaced. If aligned in the slot, effective run blocking is important to have in your wheelhouse. Golden's wingspan is functional, but NFL cornerbacks with athleticism and a good wingspan will challenge him at the LOS. His use of hands against press alignment needs work. To maximize his skill set and potential, he must develop more counters against physical corners.
In all, Matthew Golden projects as a WR 2/3 to assume the role of a movement Z receiver. With his speed and explosiveness Golden will be a nice complement to a traditional X-receiver. He will be the quick separator in the offense.
GRADE: 8.0 (Year 1 Starter — Late 1st - Early 2nd)
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
Quinn Ewers NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Texas QB
Dec 18, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 1: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns calls a play against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/CFP/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'2"
WEIGHT: 214
HAND: 9⅜"
ARM: 30¾"
WINGSPAN: 75"
POSITIVES
— Arm angles to make throws around defenders collapsing the pocket.
— Off-platform throws, confident making throws on the move when forced out of the pocket.
— Functional mobility to break contain and extend plays when flushed by the pass rush.
— Effective point-guard style QB who can efficiently operate a well-designed offense.
NEGATIVES
— Overall arm talent is adequate; does not display velocity or zip on drive throws further down the field.
— Patience and presence in the pocket, tends to bail clean pockets.
— Lower body mechanics lack consistency and do not step into throws, leading to passes losing steam.
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— Dip in play when defensive pressure is felt, forces throws in risky situations for potential turnovers.
— 2024 Second Team All-SEC; Maxwell Award semifinalist; Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Top-10 Finalist; Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award semifinalist
— 2023 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention; Davey O'Brien Award Award semifinalist
OVERALL
Quinn Ewers flashes the potential to be a high-end quarterback but lacks consistency.
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When kept clean in the pocket and in a groove, Ewers can deliver the football with timing and accuracy like a point guard on the hardwood. He throws with good pacing for catchable passes. Ewers can live in the short and intermediate areas of the field. His arm angles provide an outlet to throw around defenders pushing the pocket in his lap.
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Again, when "locked in," Ewers throws with great anticipation, with the ball meeting the receiver quickly out of their breaks. At his best, he is working on time and on schedule to execute the offense as designed. Ewers has functional mobility in a straight line to break contain and get valuable yardage with his legs. He can get 10-plus yards if the coast is clear on the perimeter and keep the chains moving. Ewers displays confidence in delivering passes on the move and slightly off-platform.
As a passer, Ewers thrives attacking the portion of the field that NFL QBs find success. He throws between the hashes and in the middle of the field with confidence and tough, layering passes over defenders' heads. His ball placement should be appreciated; Ewers hits crossing receivers in stride for opportunities at yards after the catch.
Pushing the football down the field and outside the number has not been kind to Ewers this season. His passes are losing steam the further he attempts to down the field. His arm is functional and efficient but not great by any means. Ewers' lower body mechanics tend to be erratic and inconsistent. He does not step into throws and will attempt passes from a flat-footed base in the pocket. As a result, Ewers's throws lose steam, far hash to sideline throws are not his strength. Those passes sail and float in the air—against NFL athletes at the cornerback position; the results can be turnovers. Ewers's pocket presence is hectic; he does not display patience in the pocket to consistently navigate it. He tends to bail clean pockets when the pressure has not broken through.
Overall, Quinn Ewers is a talented, point guard-style quarterback prospect. He possesses starting-caliber talent but lacks consistency or the killer instinct to put opponents away when the opportunity presents itself. Ewers can benefit from learning behind an established veteran before being given the chance to take the reigns of an NFL franchise.
