In a season no one saw coming, the Arizona State Sun Devils completed a remarkable turnaround with a dominant 45-19 victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game on Saturday. With the win, Arizona State not only claimed its first outright conference title since 1996 but also secured a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff in its inaugural season in the Big 12.
The Sun Devils’ offensive success was driven by the relentless effort of running back Cam Skattebo, whose 170 rushing yards and three total touchdowns were instrumental in Arizona State’s triumph. From his 28-yard burst on the game’s opening snap to a series of electrifying, tackle-breaking runs, Skattebo set the tone for the Sun Devils.
“I play every snap like it’s my last, and today, it paid off,” Skattebo said postgame, sporting a Big 12 championship T-shirt and flashing one of his now-signature Heisman poses. His 2,074 total yards from scrimmage this season, a new Arizona State record, have made him a key player in the national spotlight.
Arizona State’s success is a testament to the leadership of 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham. Hired last year after a disastrous 3-9 campaign in the Pac-12, Dillingham has engineered an eight-win improvement — a school record — and brought the Sun Devils back to national prominence.
“This team believed when nobody else did,” Dillingham said. “We were picked to finish last in the conference, and here we are as champions heading to the playoff.”
Arizona State (11-2, No. 15 CFP) enters the College Football Playoff on a six-game winning streak, highlighted by a combination of tough running, opportunistic defense, and big plays on offense.
Iowa State (10-3, No. 16 CFP) kept the game competitive early, taking a 7-3 lead on Rocco Becht’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Carson Hansen. However, Arizona State responded with a 21-point explosion in the third quarter, fueled by three Cyclones turnovers deep in their own territory.
Quarterback Ben Leavitt capitalized on each turnover, connecting with Xavier Guillory for touchdown passes of 8 and 21 yards before finding Skattebo on a 33-yard swing pass to put the game out of reach at 45-10.
Guillory stepped up in the absence of injured star receiver Jordyn Tyson, hauling in critical catches to keep Arizona State’s offense humming. The Sun Devils’ big-play potential was evident, as they racked up six plays of over 20 yards, all in the first half.
Despite the loss, Iowa State capped a season to remember. The Cyclones achieved their first-ever 10-win campaign in the program’s 133-year history and reached their second Big 12 title game in four years.
Quarterback Rocco Becht extended his streak of games with a touchdown pass to 17, finding Jaylin Noel for a late score. Becht finished 21-of-35 for 214 yards but struggled under pressure from a relentless Arizona State pass rush.
“It’s tough to end this way, but I’m proud of what this team accomplished,” Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell said. “We’ve laid the foundation for sustained success.”
Arizona State’s victory guarantees them a spot in the College Football Playoff as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. While they are unlikely to secure a first-round bye, the Sun Devils hope to be seeded above ACC champion Clemson (10-3, No. 17 CFP) and behind Mountain West champion Boise State (12-1, No. 10 CFP).
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark reiterated his belief that his league’s champion deserves consideration for a top-four seed, especially given the Sun Devils’ dominant run to the title.
The final playoff rankings will be revealed Sunday, with Arizona State eagerly awaiting its next challenge. Meanwhile, the Sun Devils have cemented their place in college football history, proving that even the longest of odds can be overcome.
Arizona State’s rise from the bottom of the Big 12 preseason poll to conference champions and playoff contenders is a story of resilience, leadership, and belief — one that has captivated fans and elevated the program to new heights.
