Arizona State Secures Playoff Spot with Championship Win

Arizona State Secures Playoff Spot with Championship Win \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Cam Skattebo delivered an electrifying performance with 170 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a touchdown catch as Arizona State claimed the Big 12 Championship, defeating Iowa State 45-19. Under head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils overcame preseason doubts to become the only Big 12 team in the expanded College Football Playoff. Freshman QB Sam Leavitt threw three second-half touchdown passes, extending the team’s winning streak to six games.

Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship Quick Looks

• Cam Skattebo’s Dominance: 170 rushing yards, 3 total touchdowns, and numerous highlight-worthy plays.
• Sun Devils Defy Expectations: Arizona State soared from a predicted last-place finish to conference champions.
• Six Game-Changing Plays: Arizona State tallied six plays of 20+ yards in the first half.
• Iowa State’s Third-Quarter Collapse: Turnovers on three consecutive drives shifted momentum completely.
• Playoff Secured: The Sun Devils will enter the 12-team playoff as a conference champion.

Deep Look

Arizona State’s Triumph in the Big 12 Championship: From Underdogs to Dominance

Arizona State silenced doubters in spectacular fashion, claiming their first Big 12 title with a decisive 45-19 win over Iowa State. The victory capped an extraordinary turnaround season for the Sun Devils (11-2, No. 15 CFP), led by standout running back Cam Skattebo and 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham. Skattebo’s all-around performance was the centerpiece, cementing Arizona State’s place in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.

Cam Skattebo: The Star of the Night

Skattebo’s performance was nothing short of sensational. The junior running back showcased his versatility with 170 rushing yards, two short touchdown runs, and a 33-yard touchdown reception. Skattebo’s contributions didn’t stop at the stats; he punctuated big plays with Heisman-worthy celebrations and inspired his team with fearless runs. His 28-yard run on the first snap set the tone for Arizona State’s offense, which tallied over 450 total yards.

Adding to his highlights, Skattebo broke tackles with ease, including a dazzling 47-yard run where he spun away from defenders at the line and a 53-yard run before halftime, evading multiple Cyclones. His season total of 2,074 yards from scrimmage (1,568 rushing and 506 receiving) is a school record, further underscoring his dominance.

“Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country,” Skattebo declared postgame. “And I’m going to stand on that.”

Arizona State’s Record-Breaking Season

Under Dillingham’s leadership, the Sun Devils transformed from a 3-9 team in their final Pac-12 season to a powerhouse in their Big 12 debut. This eight-win improvement is a school record, surpassing their previous best of five. Arizona State’s six-game winning streak includes wins over four ranked teams, further solidifying their credibility as a playoff contender.

Second Half Surge Turns the Tide

The game’s momentum turned dramatically in the third quarter. Arizona State led 24-10 at halftime but capitalized on Iowa State’s three consecutive turnovers to blow the game wide open. Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt delivered in clutch moments, throwing three touchdown passes in the quarter, two of which went to wide receiver Xavier Guillory in a 71-second span.

Guillory’s touchdowns, along with Skattebo’s 33-yard score, pushed the lead to an insurmountable 45-10. Arizona State’s ability to convert mistakes into points highlighted their disciplined and opportunistic play.

Iowa State’s Promising Season Ends in Disappointment

Iowa State (10-3, No. 16 CFP) came into the game riding high after securing the program’s first 10-win season. However, the Cyclones were undone by errors in the second half. Quarterback Rocco Becht threw two touchdowns, including a 3-yard pass to Carson Hansen on the opening drive for an early 7-3 lead. Becht’s streak of 17 consecutive games with a touchdown was a bright spot, but the team’s inability to protect the ball proved costly.

“We just couldn’t overcome those turnovers in the third quarter,” Cyclones coach Matt Campbell admitted. “Their ability to take care of the football and our inability to do that was just paralyzing.”

Despite the loss, Iowa State’s season remains historic, featuring the team’s second-ever Big 12 Championship appearance and a November unbeaten streak not seen since 1938.

Big Plays Define Arizona State’s Win

Even without leading receiver Jordan Tyson, the Sun Devils made explosive plays throughout the game. Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt’s first pass was a 22-yard strike to Melquan Stovall, who later added a 63-yard reception. In total, Arizona State recorded six plays of over 20 yards in the first half, while Iowa State’s longest first-half play was just 19 yards.

Tyson, who amassed 624 yards in five November games, was sidelined with an injury sustained in the regular-season finale. His absence didn’t hinder Arizona State’s offensive firepower, thanks to key contributions from Stovall, Guillory, and Skattebo.

What’s Next for Arizona State and Iowa State?

The Sun Devils are guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff as one of the top five conference champions, though they are unlikely to earn a first-round bye. That distinction will likely go to Mountain West champion Boise State, which is ranked higher in the CFP standings. Arizona State will learn their playoff matchup and location on Sunday.

For Iowa State, a bowl game awaits. The Cyclones are likely headed to either the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio or the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando.

Looking Ahead

Arizona State’s breakthrough season solidifies their status as a rising powerhouse under Kenny Dillingham. Their ability to execute on both sides of the ball and capitalize on opportunities positions them as a formidable contender in the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, Iowa State looks to build on their historic campaign as they prepare for their bowl game.

More on Sports