Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Texas Dealt Major Blow Ahead of Peach Bowl Against Arizona State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Jan 1, 2025 11:06 AM ET

The No. 5 Texas Longhorns will look to silence what has been a very chatty No. 4 Arizona State squad on Wednesday in the Peach Bowl.

The Longhorns made it to the second round of the College Football Playoff after fending off Clemson in the opening round, and will now need to beat the Big 12 champs to keep their season alive. While Texas came into the game as 13-point favorites, a report by ESPN's Pete Thamel revealed that they will be without a key player for Wednesday's bout.

As revealed by Thamel, the Longhorns will be without right tackle Cam Williams.

"Texas right tackle Cameron Williams is unlikely to play today for the Longhorns, per ESPN sources," wrote Thamel."He’s dealing with a right knee sprain and has been limited. Look for redshirt freshman Trevor Goosby to get the start at right tackle."

In his place, the Longhorns will be leaning on redshirt freshman Trevor Goosby. While Williams is an elite talent that many view as a first-round pick, Goosby has also shown flashes in the seven games he played.

In fact, according to PFF, Goosby has a higher pass-blocking (79.0) grade than Williams does. While you never want to lose a starter, Goosby has shown he is more than capable of stepping up.

The Longhorns will need a huge game out of him and the rest of the line as Texas looks to establish its run game again, and also keep Quinn Ewers upright. ESPN's FPI gives Texas a 79.5% chance of winning.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: