Kenny Dillingham, the head coach of Arizona State, candidly expressed his disappointment following the Sun Devils’ narrow defeat to Texas in the Peach Bowl, a game that ended 39-31 after double overtime. The loss ended Arizona State’s hopes of competing in the College Football Playoff, a journey that had seen significant ups and downs throughout the season.
Dillingham didn’t hold back on his feelings about the outcome, noting, “God, that one sucked.” This loss stings particularly because the Sun Devils had worked hard to turn their season around after earlier setbacks against Texas Tech and Cincinnati. Despite these challenges, the team regained momentum, winning their last five regular-season games, including a crucial victory over Iowa State to secure the Big 12 championship.
The game itself was a showcase of determination, with Arizona State trailing 17-3 at halftime. In a thrilling comeback, highlighted by a trick play and strong performance from star running back Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils fought back from a 24-8 deficit entering the final quarter. Their efforts included a crucial interception of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, which paved the way for a tying score.
After a tense overtime period where both teams scored, Arizona State was unable to clinch the victory, with an interception sealing Texas’s win in double overtime.
Despite this heartbreaking finish, the season overall marked significant progress for Dillingham and the Sun Devils, who improved from a disappointing 3-9 record in Dillingham’s inaugural season to an impressive 11-3 this year. This accomplishment not only signifies growth but also sets a new benchmark for the program, as it is their first season with 11 wins since 1996 and a promising start as members of the Big 12.
The future looks bright for Arizona State as they build on this successful season, crafting a foundation for potential championship aspirations in the years to come. This resilience and commitment could pay off in continued improvements under Dillingham’s leadership.