The excitement is palpable as the No. 15 Arizona State Sun Devils gear up for a pivotal showdown against the No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12 Championship Game this Saturday. Set to take place at AT&T Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET. For the Sun Devils, this game is not just about a trophy; it’s about a shot at the College Football Playoffs.
A remarkable turnaround season for the Sun Devils
What a difference a year makes! The Sun Devils have undergone a stunning transformation from last season’s struggles to this year’s success. With a remarkable overall record of 10-2 and a conference play record of 7-2, they have risen to the top of the Big 12 standings. This impressive turnaround is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, who have worked tirelessly to elevate the program.
Chasing history and a championship
The motivation for Arizona State is palpable. The team is not only looking to secure a conference title but also to end a championship drought that dates back to 2007. That year, under the leadership of Dennis Erickson, the Sun Devils last claimed the Pac-10 co-title. The players are well aware of the significance of this moment and the legacy they can create by bringing home a championship trophy.
Arizona State’s projected starting lineup
As the game approaches, fans are eager to know who will take the field for the Sun Devils. Here’s a closer look at Arizona State’s projected starting lineup and depth chart for the Big 12 Championship Game:
Offensive positions
- WR-X: Starter: Xavier Guillory
- WR-Z: Starter: Jordyn Tyson
- 2nd: Jake Smith (Questionable – Undisclosed)
- WR-F: Starter: Melquan Stovall
- LT: Starter: Josh Atkins
- 2nd: Emmit Bohle
- 3rd: Colby Garvin
- LG: Starter: Ben Coleman
- C: Starter: Leif Fautanu
- 2nd: Cade Briggs
- 3rd: Makua Pule
- RG: Starter: Cade Briggs
- RT: Starter: Max Iheanachor
- 2nd: Bram Walden
- 3rd: Champ Westbrooks
- TE: Starter: Chamon Metayer
- 2nd: Markeston Douglas
- 3rd: Cameron Harpole
- 4th: Coleson Arends
- QB: Starter: Sam Leavitt
- 2nd: Jeff Sims
- 3rd: Trenton Bourguet
- 4th: Navi Bruzon
- RB: Starter: Cam Skattebo
- 2nd: Kyson Brown
- 3rd: Raleek Brown (Out – Redshirt)
- 4th: DeCarlos Brooks
- 5th: Alton McCaskill
Defensive positions
- LDE: Starter: Elijah O’Neal
- 2nd: Justin Wodtly
- 3rd: Albert Smith III
- NT: Starter: C.J. Fite
- DT: Starter: Jacob Kongaika
- RDE: Starter: Clayton Smith
- 2nd: Roman Pitre
- 3rd: J’Mond Tapp
- WLB: Starter: Keyshaun Elliott
- 2nd: Caleb McCullough
- 3rd: Krew Jackson
- MLB: Starter: Zyrus Fiaseu
- 2nd: Martell Hughes
- 3rd: K’Vion Thunderbird
- LCB: Starter: Javan Robinson
- 2nd: Rodney Bimage Jr.
- 3rd: Keontez Bradley
- 4th: Plas Johnson
- SS: Starter: Myles Rowser
- FS: Starter: Xavion Alford
- RCB: Starter: Keith Abney II
- 2nd: Laterrence Welch
- 3rd: Tony-Louis Nkuba
- 4th: Chris Johnson II
- NB: Starter: Shamari Simmons
- 2nd: Cole Martin (Out – Hip)
- 3rd: Kyan McDonald
Special teams
- PT (Punter): Starter: Kanyon Floyd
- 2nd: Parker Lewis
- 3rd: Race Mahlum
- PK (Placekicker): Starter: Ian Hershey
- 2nd: Parker Lewis
- 3rd: Carston Kieffer
- KO (Kickoff Specialist): Starter: Parker Lewis
- 2nd: Ian Hershey
- 3rd: Carston Kieffer
- LS (Long Snapper): Starter: Cole Marszalek
- H (Holder): Starter: Race Mahlum
- PR (Punt Returner): Starter: Melquan Stovall
- 2nd: Jordyn Tyson (Out – Undisclosed)
- 3rd: Jake Smith
- 4th: Cole Martin
- KR (Kick Returner): Starter: Jake Smith
- 2nd: Melquan Stovall
- 3rd: Cole Martin
Injuries and depth concerns
As with any football season, injuries can play a significant role in a team’s performance. Arizona State has a few players on the injured reserve list, including Jordan Crook, Sean Na’a, Prince Dorbah, Tate Romney, and Jeff Clark. Additionally, Jayden Fortier and Zechariah Sample are both listed as questionable, which could impact the team’s depth as they prepare for this crucial matchup.
With everything on the line, the Sun Devils are ready to make their mark in the Big 12 Championship Game. Will they seize the moment and secure a spot in the College Football Playoffs? Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling encounter!
