As Arizona State fans settle into the unfamiliar position of watching the College Football Playoff unfold without their team, many may be left pondering a difficult, and perhaps uncomfortable, question: Who should they be rooting for in the Peach Bowl—Texas or Clemson?
Both schools, with their distinct identities, evoke strong reactions across college football, but when it comes to Arizona State’s fan base, there’s a complex web of historical, cultural, and personal factors that complicate the issue.
The Case for Rooting for Texas
First, let’s consider the case for rooting for the Texas Longhorns. Historically, Texas and Arizona State have shared some interesting football connections. Both schools are part of the broader Pac-12 and Big 12 landscape (albeit through conference realignments), which has led to occasional matchups that bring a level of friendly rivalry. Some might argue that by supporting Texas, Arizona State fans could position themselves in alignment with the “underdog” mentality.
The Longhorns’ inclusion in the College Football Playoff could help build a case for the Big 12 as a conference worthy of respect—an argument that could benefit Arizona State should they find themselves looking for better competition and exposure once the Pac-12 dissolves. Additionally, Texas is known for producing an impressive amount of talent, and many Arizona State fans find themselves rooting for players who have ties to their state or region. In a year when the Sun Devils fell short, there’s a certain sense of camaraderie in supporting a team with such a rich football history, despite their recent struggles.
The Case for Rooting for Clemson
On the flip side, supporting Clemson in this situation could resonate with a different segment of Arizona State’s fanbase. Clemson, under Dabo Swinney, has cultivated a culture of sustained excellence. Their playoff appearances and national championships are the epitome of what ASU fans want to see their program become. In some ways, rooting for Clemson is a vote for a program that’s done everything right in terms of development, recruiting, and maximizing its potential. Fans who admire these qualities might see Clemson as a beacon of hope for Arizona State’s future, particularly given the Sun Devils’ recent coaching turnover and rebuilding efforts.
Furthermore, Clemson and Arizona State have a shared identity as programs that, for years, were overshadowed by more prestigious, blue-chip programs. There’s a certain sense of solidarity in cheering for a team that has clawed its way to the top, against the odds. Clemson’s consistent success, despite not being a traditional powerhouse like Alabama or Ohio State, could symbolize what Arizona State could potentially achieve with the right mix of talent and leadership.
The Complications of Local Rivalries and History
However, it’s not all clear-cut. Arizona State fans have a complicated relationship with both schools. Texas, with its massive fan base and Texas-centric culture, might not sit well with Sun Devil fans who perceive the Longhorns’ swagger and entitlement as arrogant. Furthermore, Texas has often been a part of recruiting battles in the state of Arizona, and many Arizona high school athletes have chosen Texas over Arizona State—leading to some bitterness.
Meanwhile, Clemson’s rise to prominence has been marked by a string of dominant victories over teams from the Pac-12. Arizona State fans may remember those tough losses to Clemson with a sense of frustration. Some may even argue that rooting for Clemson feels like endorsing a “big-money” program that’s distanced itself from the rest of college football’s blue-collar teams.
The Real Question: Is This About Arizona State’s Identity?
At its core, the decision about which team to root for isn’t just about Texas or Clemson—it’s about Arizona State’s own identity. Fans who are disillusioned with their program’s struggles might want to root for an outsider like Texas, hoping to see a massive, historic program get its comeuppance in a year full of surprises. Others may cling to the hope that a program like Clemson could be the model for what ASU could someday achieve if they play their cards right in recruiting, leadership, and culture-building.
In truth, the dilemma isn’t so much about these two teams but about what Arizona State fans want for their own program in the long term. Does rooting for Texas represent a desire for a more dominant, blue-chip program that somehow keeps Arizona State on the periphery? Or does supporting Clemson reflect a more grounded, achievable path to greatness? The answer likely depends on what direction ASU fans want their program to take in the future.
Conclusion: A Matter of Perspective
Ultimately, Arizona State fans will need to weigh their allegiances based on their own football philosophy. Whether it’s the confident swagger of Texas or the disciplined success of Clemson, the Peach Bowl serves as a reminder of what Arizona State’s program might one day aspire to. For now, it’s up to each fan to decide whether rooting for one of these two powerhouse programs feels like a step toward hope or a reminder of what might have been.