Kenny Dillingham, head coach of Arizona State, expressed his disappointment following the heart-wrenching 39-31 double-overtime defeat to Texas in the Peach Bowl, which ended the Sun Devils’ hopes of participating in the College Football Playoff. “God, that one sucked,” Dillingham candidly admitted, revealing the emotional weight of the loss.
This season has been a rollercoaster for Arizona State, marked by early defeats against Texas Tech and Cincinnati. However, they showed remarkable resilience by winning their last five regular-season games, culminating in a Big 12 championship victory over Iowa State that secured their place in the playoff conversation.
During the Peach Bowl, Arizona State found themselves trailing 17-3 at halftime and faced an uphill battle throughout the game. Down 24-8 entering the final quarter, the team rallied, with standout performances from star running back Cam Skattebo, who helped spark a scoring drive that closed the gap. The Sun Devils eventually tied the game, displaying grit and determination.
Though they led in overtime, Texas responded, and the game ultimately ended with an interception that secured Texas’s victory in double-overtime. Despite the disappointment of falling short of their national championship aspirations, this season showcased significant progress for Dillingham and his players. After a challenging 3-9 season last year, the Sun Devils finished with an impressive 11-3 record, marking their first conference title as members of the Big 12 and their first time winning 11 games since 1996.
This season serves as a foundation for future success, and the Sun Devils can take pride in their growth and the resilience they demonstrated. With a strong finish and vital experiences gained, Arizona State looks poised for an even brighter future.
As the program continues to develop, fans can remain hopeful that this growth trajectory will lead to even greater achievements in the coming years.