Texas vs. Arizona State: Predictions, how to watch, matchups

Texas vs ASU: Sun Devils expert gives some insight

FOX Phoenix's Richard Saenz stepped into The Sports Office to give some insight into the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Saenz talks with FOX 7 producer Julian Martinez about everything Longhorn fans need to know about the Arizona State Sun Devils.

AUSTIN - The Texas Longhorns will continue their journey through the College Football Playoff on Wednesday.

The Longhorns (12-2) will take on Big 12 Champion Arizona State (11-2) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

The stadium is not new to Texas. The Longhorns lost a heartbreaker in overtime to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.

Arizona State is coming off of a first round bye and will be playing in their first College Football Playoff game.

Texas vs Arizona State: How to watch, stream

No. 5 Texas vs No. 4 Arizona State
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium - Atlanta, Georgia
Date: Wednesday, January 1
Time: 12 PM (CT)
TV: ESPN

Key Matchup

Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo vs. Texas' defensive front. Skattebo put together a dynamic season, finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy balloting while becoming one of the rare players in FBS history to total 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He has rushed for 1,568 yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry while scoring 19 touchdowns on the ground. But the Longhorns figure to present a much tougher challenge than Skattebo faced in the Big 12. Texas ranks 11th nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 104.5 yards per game.

Players to Watch

Texas: CB Jahdae Barron. The Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top defensive back, the senior leads the Longhorns with five interceptions and 11 passes broken up. If Barron and the rest of Texas' stellar secondary can shut down Arizona State's passing game, the Sun Devils would be hard-pressed to move the ball effectively even with Skattebo leading the way.

Arizona State: QB Sam Leavitt boasted that he's the better quarterback in his matchup with Texas counterpart Quinn Ewers. Now, Leavitt has to back up his bravado. After transferring from Michigan State, the redshirt freshman played a key role in the Sun Devils' remarkable turnaround this season. He has completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,663 yards, with 24 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Leavitt is also a threat to run the ball, totaling 383 yards and five TDs.