The Sun Devils were already going to have their hands full in the Peach Bowl trying to limit a Texas offense that has playmakers seemingly all over. Defensive coordinator Brian Ward's job just got a little harder with news from Sunday night:
Source: Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond will play for the Longhorns against Arizona State in the CFP quarterfinals on Wednesday. Bond missed the Clemson game after re-aggravating an ankle injury in the SEC title game. He’s been practicing and is set to go. pic.twitter.com/FphuZQNVDr
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 29, 2024
Isaiah Bond finished the season third on the Longhorns in receiving with 532 yard and five scores on 33 catches. Bond functions as the team's top deep threat, leading Texas in both yards per reception (16.1) and average depth of target (13.9). Both those marks also rank inside the top 15 of all FBS receivers.
Bond, who transferred to Texas this year after playing the past two seasons at Alabama, suffered an ankle injury in the regular season finale against Texas A&M that saw him finish with zero receptions. He then re-aggravated the injury against Georgia in the SEC championship game, causing him to sit out against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Texas didn't exactly miss him in that game, but Bond adds an extra element to an already elite passing game for the Longhorns. The news that Bond will be a full-go in this one only makes life harder for Arizona State, who will be facing the best offense they've seen all year.
Source: Texas RT Cameron Williams has been limited in practice and is trending toward being a game-time decision on Wednesday against Arizona State. It would not be a surprise if he can’t go, as he’s dealing with a right knee sprain and hopes to attempt to play through the pain. pic.twitter.com/5MLKcuVG4G
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 29, 2024
While Bond will be returning for the Peach Bowl, Texas may potentially be without their starting right tackle Cameron Williams. That would be significant news, as the Sun Devil defense thrives on its ability to generate pressure without blitzing and Williams is one of the best tackles in the nation.
Even if Williams does not play, as it sounds like might happen, Arizona State is going to have its hands full on Wednesday, especially with Bond back in the fold.