Arizona State Dominates Iowa State to Win Big 12 Title and Earn College Football Playoff Spot
Arizona State delivered an overwhelming performance to clinch their first Big 12 Championship, defeating Iowa State 45-19 in a thrilling title game. The No. 15 Sun Devils showcased a dominating display of football, riding a 35-point streak across the second and third quarters to put the game out of reach. The victory secured their spot in the College Football Playoff, signaling a major accomplishment in coach Kenny Dillingham’s second season.
From the get-go, Arizona State's offense was firing on all cylinders. Running back Cam Skattebo was nothing short of spectacular, racking up 170 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He opened the game with a 28-yard run and continued to carve through Iowa State’s defense with a 53-yard burst. His performance was a key factor in the Sun Devils’ relentless march to victory.
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But it wasn’t just the offense that stole the show. Arizona State's defense capitalized on three critical turnovers by Iowa State, which effectively turned the tide in their favor. In the third quarter, the Sun Devils scored three touchdowns off turnovers. The first came after Iowa State’s running back, Abu Sama, fumbled, allowing Arizona State to quickly convert with a touchdown pass from Sam Leavitt to Xavier Guillory. The following drive saw Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht’s pass deflect off an offensive lineman's helmet into the hands of Keith Abney II, leading to another touchdown. Then, after Sama’s second fumble of the quarter, Skattebo capped the scoring with a 33-yard touchdown catch-and-run, giving Arizona State a 35-point lead and sealing the victory.
This win not only gave Arizona State its first Big 12 Championship but also solidified their impressive turnaround under Dillingham’s leadership. Last season, the Sun Devils struggled to find their footing, finishing with a 3-9 record. Despite the turmoil, including an NCAA investigation into previous coaching staff actions, Dillingham has transformed the program. The Sun Devils now boast an 11-2 record, with Skattebo’s stellar play making him a fringe Heisman candidate. His performance this season, with 1,568 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, places him in elite company, even if he isn’t expected to win the Heisman.
The Sun Devils’ climb from last-place predictions to Big 12 champions is nothing short of remarkable, especially after a midseason loss to Cincinnati. They’ve bounced back to win six straight games, including key victories over ranked opponents, making them one of the most dangerous teams in college football. Arizona State’s success in the Big 12 title game also boosted their ranking in the College Football Playoff standings, possibly pushing them to a higher seed. With a strong case for a top 10 ranking, ASU will now eagerly await the final playoff seedings, hoping for a favorable position in the bracket.
In contrast, Boise State, who defeated No. 20 UNLV for the Mountain West title, also stands as a strong contender in the College Football Playoff picture. The Broncos’ 21-7 win over UNLV has kept them in the hunt for a first-round bye, setting up an intriguing playoff race as Arizona State, Boise State, and others await the final selection. Regardless of the final rankings, Arizona State has proven they belong at the highest level of college football, with their playoff berth representing a huge step forward for the program.
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