In a thrilling display of talent and teamwork, 12th-ranked Arizona State University dominated No. 16 Iowa State with a decisive 45-19 victory in the 2024 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship held in Arlington, Texas. Cam Skattebo was the standout performer, rushing for 170 yards and scoring two touchdowns, alongside a touchdown reception.
This marked a historic moment for Arizona State (11-2), led by 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham, as they claimed the Big 12 title in their inaugural season in the conference. The team has shown tremendous resilience, riding a six-game winning streak to secure this championship.
Iowa State (10-3) celebrated its own milestone by clinching the program’s first 10-win season in its 133-year history, but faced challenges during the game, particularly after halftime when they fell behind 24-10. Turnovers in their territory opened the door for the Sun Devils, with freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt taking full advantage by throwing touchdown passes on three consecutive drives.
In a remarkable sequence, Xavier Guillory caught two touchdowns in a mere 71 seconds, while Skattebo added to the excitement with a 33-yard touchdown from a swing pass, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. He also became the centerpiece of attention with his impressive record of 2,074 yards from scrimmage, breaking the school’s single-season record.
While Rocco Becht of Iowa State managed to throw for two touchdowns, including a touchdown to Carson Hansen that initially gave the Cyclones the lead at 7-3, it wasn’t enough to counter the overwhelming offensive power of the Sun Devils.
The Sun Devils demonstrated explosive offense throughout the game, achieving six plays over 20 yards in the first half, compared to the Cyclones, whose longest play was only 19 yards at that point.
Cam Skattebo’s exceptional performance earned him the Most Outstanding Player award for the championship, capping an impressive season for both him and the Arizona State Sun Devils.
This victory not only solidifies Arizona State’s new footing in the Big 12 but also injects great promise into the future of the program under Kenny Dillingham’s leadership. With a solid foundation and a hunger for success, the Sun Devils are poised for a bright future in college football.
In summary, Arizona State’s victory not only marks a significant achievement for the program but also sets a high excitement level for upcoming seasons in the Big 12, showcasing young talent and the potential for continued success.