Arizona State faced a heartbreaking defeat in the College Football Playoff semifinal, falling to Texas 39-31 in a thrilling double overtime showdown on New Year’s Day. Despite the loss, the Sun Devils showcased an impressive performance that left fans with a sense of pride.
Heart-Stopping Comeback
Featuring a remarkable 16-point fourth-quarter comeback, Arizona State demonstrated resilience and grit. They appeared to be in control during the first extra period, only to see their efforts fall just short. The Sun Devils can hold their heads high, knowing they left everything on the field. It was a game filled with tension, excitement, and moments that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Coach Prime’s Respect
In the aftermath of the game, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders took to social media to commend Arizona State and its head coach, Kenny Dillingham. Sanders praised the Sun Devils for their accomplishments this season, which included winning the Big 12 and earning a coveted first-round bye in the CFP.
Coach Prime tagged Dillingham in a heartfelt post on X, stating, “You represented all of us from the @Big12 well my brother. We are proud of u and your team. God bless u all. You’re awesome COTY.” This kind of mutual respect among coaches speaks volumes about the camaraderie within the conference.
Memorable Matchup
The two coaches, Sanders and Dillingham, did not face each other during the regular season, despite being in the same conference. However, they clashed earlier in the year when both teams were members of the Pac-12 Conference. In that matchup, Colorado narrowly defeated Arizona State 27-24 in Tempe.
In that game, Cam Skattebo made headlines with his performance, rushing for 49 yards and a touchdown. Fans were left scratching their heads, wondering how such a talented player could have a quieter outing compared to his explosive performance in the Peach Bowl.
Skattebo’s Peach Bowl Heroics
Skattebo truly shined in the Peach Bowl, where he threw a touchdown pass, rushed for two more scores, and was the leading receiver for Arizona State. His all-around effort was nothing short of heroic, as he fought valiantly to help his team stage a comeback. Skattebo totaled an impressive 242 offensive yards during the contest, finishing the day with 30 carries for 143 yards. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination.
Big 12’s Moment in the Spotlight
As Coach Prime noted, Arizona State’s gutsy performance in the playoff represented the Big 12 Conference well. They were the only team from the conference to make it to the playoff, and their journey was a reminder of the talent that often goes unnoticed. While the SEC and Big Ten garnered most of the attention throughout the regular season, teams like Arizona State, Colorado, Iowa State, and BYU were quietly building momentum.
Arizona State ultimately emerged as the team to take the brass ring, but the competition was fierce. Any of those teams had a legitimate shot at earning their way into the conference championship game and, subsequently, the 12-team playoff field during the final weeks of the regular season. The Big 12 proved that it could compete at the highest level, and Arizona State’s journey was a shining example of that potential.
Looking Ahead
Now that the season has concluded, the respect between Boulder and Tempe is palpable. The camaraderie among the teams and coaches in the Big 12 is a refreshing aspect of college football. It reminds us that while the competition is fierce, there is also a sense of brotherhood that transcends the game.
As fans reflect on this season, they can take pride in the accomplishments of their teams. Arizona State may have fallen short in the playoff, but their journey was filled with unforgettable moments and a testament to their hard work and determination. The future looks bright for the Sun Devils, and with a strong foundation in place, they will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with in the coming seasons.
In the world of college football, every game tells a story, and this season’s narrative for Arizona State was one of resilience, respect, and remarkable performances. As we look forward to the next season, one thing is certain: the passion for college football will continue to ignite the hearts of fans everywhere.
