Steve Sarkisian should be prepared to face the grudge of a former player in the playoffs! Texas is among the elite college football programs like powerhouses Alabama and Georgia. Only the best get a shot at becoming a Longhorns player. But at the cost of what? With them moving to the SEC this year, Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff made decisions for some players, including a two-year Longhorn defensive player who left the prestigious program in an unceremonious manner. 

What Arizona State DL Zac Swanson said in a reel posted by asu247com on Instagram on December 17 gave us a glimpse of the dirty behind-the-scenes in college football. The sophomore DL played for Texas for two seasons before transferring to Arizona State in May this year. The reason for the transfer will surprise you. He repeated what he heard from the Longhorns staff after his two-year commitment — “If you want to stay at Texas, you might as well quit football and just go to school here.”

For someone who had been planning his future as a football player, these words cut deep. Zac Swanson described that piercing statement as “probably the worst thing that was ever said to me.” The trauma remained even when the Arizona native transferred to his home team. So when the Sun Devils prospered this season and left Texas in the dust to receive the No. 4 seed in the 12-team playoff, it’s payback time for the wounded player.

To the favor of Zac Swanson, Arizona State won their first Big 12 Championship game this year. With the win, they secured a first round bye while No. 5 Texas plays No. 12 Clemson in the first playoff round. The winner of the first round will face the Sun Devils in the quarterfinals. With the Longhorns as a heavy favorite, Swanson’s “dream scenario” of playing against the team who thought he wasn’t good enough inches closer each day. And if that scenario actually happens, can Arizona State handle Texas?

Texas vs Arizona State playoff odds

There’s no way Arizona State is going to beat Steve Sarkisian’s blue collar program statistically. Both are clinging to an 11-2 record this season but as far as the strength of schedule is concerned, Texas is the winner. In their upcoming game against the Tigers on Saturday, they’re a double-digit-point favorite. As of now, College Football Network has Texas at No. 15 and ASU at No. 35 in strength of schedule. 

The Longhorns faced five Top 25 teams in the regular season and defeated four with Georgia as an exception. They fell once more to the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game. Meanwhile, ASU’s Big 12 schedule is relatively easier. They defeated all their four Top 25 opponents, including a conference victory. But Texas still holds the edge even in total defense, allowing 12.56 points per game compared to ASU allowing 21.3 points per game. Still, they’re not without woes.

But at least one ASU player has more than just a winning goal. If they get a chance to meet, it will be in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on New Year’s day.