Full Breakdown
Arizona State Sun Devils Set to Face Duke Blue Devils in the 2025 Sun Bowl
12/11/2025, 6:48:57 AM
Overview of the Matchup
The Arizona State Sun Devils (8-4) will compete against the Duke Blue Devils (8-5) in the 92nd edition of the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on December 31, 2025, at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. The game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS. This matchup marks a rematch of the 2014 Sun Bowl, where Arizona State triumphed over Duke with a score of 36-31.
Background & Context
Duke enters the Sun Bowl as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) champions, having recently secured their first outright ACC title since 1962 with a dramatic overtime victory against Virginia. Despite this achievement, Duke was not selected for the College Football Playoff, a disappointment echoed by head coach Manny Diaz, who emphasized the importance of the bowl experience for his senior class.
Conversely, Arizona State, under head coach Kenny Dillingham, has had a tumultuous season following a successful 2024 campaign that saw them reach the College Football Playoff. The Sun Devils faced challenges, including injuries to key players like starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is out for the season, and star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Backup quarterback Jeff Sims will lead the team in the bowl game.
Key Players & Statistics
Duke's offense is spearheaded by sophomore quarterback Darian Mensah, who has thrown for 3,646 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only five interceptions this season. Running backs Nate Sheppard and Anderson Castle have also been pivotal, each contributing significantly to the ground game. Arizona State's offense, while facing setbacks, features Raleek Brown, who has rushed for 1,141 yards and four touchdowns.
In terms of betting odds, Duke is favored by 1.5 points, with an over/under set at 49.5 points. Both teams have shown offensive capabilities, with Duke averaging 34 points per game and Arizona State scoring 24.7 points per game.
Official Statements & Responses
Kenny Dillingham remarked on the current state of college football, stating, "The whole industry is a mess. The only thing that's not a mess is the dollar signs." He expressed support for players opting out of the bowl game for personal reasons, emphasizing the need for players to prioritize their futures. Dillingham also noted the importance of achieving 20 wins over two seasons, a milestone that would signify progress for the program.
Manny Diaz reflected on the significance of the bowl game for his team, stating, “The fact that this senior class gets to spend three more weeks together — I think it’s easy in this playoff era to think everything is about the playoff.”
Criticism & Opposition
The bowl selection process has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the exclusion of teams like Duke from the College Football Playoff despite their championship win. Critics argue that the current system does not adequately reward conference champions, as evidenced by Duke's situation.
What's Next
The Sun Bowl presents an opportunity for both teams to conclude their seasons on a high note. Arizona State aims to build momentum for the future, while Duke seeks to capitalize on their recent success and solidify their status as a competitive program in the ACC.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the outcome will not only impact their respective seasons but also set the stage for the future of both programs in the evolving landscape of college football.
