A decade after their unforgettable meeting in El Paso, Arizona State and Duke cross paths again, this time under very different circumstances, as the two programs meet in the Sun Bowl.

What once looked like a clean, evenly balanced postseason matchup has become a snapshot of modern college football, shaped by opt-outs, transfers and roster churn on both sidelines.

Arizona State arrives in El Paso at 8–4, but significantly short-handed. Head coach Kenny Dillingham confirmed that as many as 19 players from the Sun Devils’ usual two-deep will not play. That list includes starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, receiver Jordyn Tyson, running back Raleek Brown and several key defensive starters. The absences leave Arizona State leaning heavily on depth players and backups in what is already a difficult bowl environment.

“It’s part of it,” Dillingham said this week, acknowledging the realities of bowl season. “You play to win the game with whoever is available.”

Duke (8–5), the ACC champion, is also missing important pieces but appears closer to full strength by comparison. The Blue Devils will be without All-ACC offensive lineman Brian Parker and standout corner Chandler Rivers, yet stability comes from quarterback Darian Mensah, who is expected to start. Mensah has been one of the ACC’s most efficient passers this season and gives Duke a clear edge in continuity and experience under center.

There is also history at play. Arizona State defeated Duke 36–31 in the 2014 Sun Bowl, a game remembered for a dramatic late kickoff return and a one-play, game-winning touchdown drive. That remains Duke’s only appearance in the Sun Bowl, while Arizona State has won four of its last five trips to El Paso.

Beyond the teams, the game carries added significance in the broadcast booth. CBS analyst Gary Danielson will call the final game of his career, closing a 20-year run as the network’s lead college football voice.

With uncertainty across both rosters, the key question is whether Arizona State’s reshuffled offense can sustain drives against a disciplined Duke defense. Conversely, Duke will look to capitalize on Mensah’s poise and experience to control tempo and avoid the chaos that often defines opt-out-heavy bowl games.

How to watch Arizona State vs Duke

• Date: Wednesday, December 31
• Kick-off: 2:00 p.m. ET
• Venue: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: CBS Sports App, Paramount+

Ten years on, the Sun Bowl once again offers intrigue — if not in star power, then in resilience, opportunity and which program can best adapt when familiar faces are missing.