In a thrilling Conference championship game, the 12th-ranked Arizona State team showcased their dominance by defeating 16th-ranked Iowa State with a score of 45-19. The victory secured Arizona State a coveted position in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff.
Cam Skattebo was the standout performer for the Sun Devils, demonstrating his versatility and skill by rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to catching a touchdown pass. This impressive performance contributed to the Sun Devils’ six-game winning streak under the guidance of their 34-year-old head coach, Kenny Dillingham. The team’s record now stands at 11-2.
Iowa State, despite the loss, achieved a milestone this season with their first 10-win record in the history of the program, which dates back 133 years. The Cyclones initially took the lead at 7-3, but their momentum faltered as they faced turnovers following halftime. As a result, Arizona State capitalized on these errors, with freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt throwing multiple touchdown passes to increase their lead significantly.
Skattebo’s explosive plays were crucial in setting up scoring opportunities, including notable runs of 47 and 53 yards. His impressive total of 2,074 yards from scrimmage this season—comprising 1,568 rushing yards and 506 receiving yards—establishes a new single-season school record.
While Iowa State did mount some offensive efforts, they struggled to match Arizona State’s explosive plays, which included six significant gains of over 20 yards in the first half alone. For Iowa State, quarterback Rocco Becht continued to build on his consistency, throwing touchdowns for the 17th consecutive game.
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Cam Skattebo was named the Most Outstanding Player of the game, underscoring the pivotal role he played in leading Arizona State to victory.
As Arizona State moves forward into the playoff, the future looks bright for this team. With a strong momentum and key players like Skattebo and Leavitt, they could be poised for a remarkable run in the postseason.