Arizona State put on a show in the Big 12 championship game, dominating Iowa State with a resounding 45-19 victory. This triumph not only secured the Sun Devils their first league title in their inaugural season in the Big 12 but also earned them an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff. What a turnaround for a team that was picked to finish last in the preseason polls after a challenging 3-9 season in the Pac-12!
Cam Skattebo was the star of the night, rushing for an impressive 170 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His performance was pivotal as Arizona State pulled away in the third quarter, showcasing their offensive prowess and determination. The Sun Devils, who were part of a four-way tie for first place in the conference, navigated through tie-breakers to reach this championship game, and they certainly made the most of the opportunity.
Arizona State’s playoff prospects
With their championship victory, the big question now is: where will Arizona State be seeded in the upcoming 12-team playoff? The College Football Playoff selection committee will unveil the final field of teams on Sunday, Dec. 8, at noon ET, live on ESPN. Arizona State is in a favorable position, but several factors will influence their seeding.
The playoff structure allows the top five conference champions to secure automatic bids into the 12-team field. Arizona State, as the Big 12 champion, is one of those teams. However, the seeding is where things get interesting. The four highest-ranked conference champions receive first-round byes, and the competition for those coveted spots is fierce.
Seeding scenarios for Arizona State
So, what are the potential scenarios for Arizona State’s seeding? Well, it all depends on how the committee views their impressive performance against Iowa State. The Big Ten and SEC champions are almost guaranteed two of the first-round byes, leaving three remaining spots for the other conference champions: Boise State from the Mountain West, Arizona State, and the ACC champion, which will be determined between Clemson and SMU.
As of Tuesday, Arizona State was ranked No. 15, while Boise State held the No. 10 spot. Boise State secured a victory over No. 20 UNLV, which complicates matters for the Sun Devils. Could Arizona State leapfrog Boise State in the rankings? It’s a tall order, but if the committee considers Arizona State’s stronger strength of schedule and dominant championship win, they might just get the nod.
If SMU clinches the ACC championship, they could potentially take the No. 3 seed, given that they entered the week ranked No. 8. In that case, the committee would have to choose between Boise State and Arizona State for the No. 4 seed. If Arizona State doesn’t secure that fourth seed, they could find themselves anywhere from the No. 10 to No. 12 seed, which would mean hitting the road for a first-round playoff game.
Conversely, if Clemson takes home the ACC championship, both Boise State and Arizona State could land top 4 seeds and first-round byes. Clemson, entering the week ranked No. 17 with a 9-3 record, would struggle to surpass either Arizona State or Boise State in the rankings.
The road ahead for Arizona State
As the anticipation builds for the playoff reveal, Arizona State fans are buzzing with excitement. The Sun Devils have defied expectations this season, and their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From being underestimated to standing tall as champions, this team has shown resilience and grit.
But what does this mean for their playoff journey? The playoff bracket is shaping up, and Arizona State’s placement will significantly impact their path to the national title. A higher seed could afford them a more favorable matchup in the first round, while a lower seed might present a tougher challenge.
College Football Playoff bracket 2024
As we look ahead, it’s important to note that before Championship Saturday, Arizona State was seeded 12th in the 12-team playoff. The dynamics of the playoff bracket can shift dramatically based on the outcomes of conference championships and the committee’s final rankings.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the playoff selection, and the excitement is palpable. Will Arizona State’s stellar performance against Iowa State earn them a higher seed? Or will they find themselves battling it out on the road in the first round? The answers will come soon, and one thing is for sure: the Sun Devils have proven they belong in the conversation.
In the world of college football, anything can happen, and Arizona State’s journey is a testament to that unpredictability. As they prepare for the next chapter in their season, the Sun Devils have already made history, and the best may yet be to come. The stage is set, and the countdown to the College Football Playoff has begun!
