Cam Skattebo made headlines on Saturday with an impressive performance for Arizona State, scoring three touchdowns in the No. 13 Sun Devils’ commanding 45-19 win over No. 16 Iowa State in the Big 12 Conference championship game. This remarkable feat not only propelled Arizona State to victory but also positions Skattebo for a potential spot in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff.
After each touchdown, Skattebo strikingly struck the Heisman Trophy pose, emphasizing his confidence in his status as a top running back. In the postgame interview, he conveyed a bold message regarding his talent and recognition in college football. “Nobody respects the fact that I’m the best running back in the country,” he asserted. “I am going to stand on that. If people want to disrespect that, I am going to keep going and I am going to keep proving people wrong.”
Throughout the game, Skattebo showcased his dynamism with 16 carries for 170 yards, including two rushing touchdowns, complemented by two catches for 38 yards and a receiving touchdown. His first-half runs included impressive bursts of 53 and 47 yards, demonstrating both speed and tenacity. Had the game remained competitive, he may have challenged Darren Sproles’ longstanding Big 12 championship game rushing record of 235 yards.
This season, Skattebo has accumulated noteworthy statistics, rushing 263 times for 1,538 yards and tallying 19 touchdowns, alongside 37 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns. He finds himself in a competitive landscape, going head-to-head with notable players like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, considered one of the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 344 carries.
Skattebo remains undeterred, confident that he can prove his worth to any NFL team that selects him. “Whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem,” he stated. “And I am going to give it everything I got for them. No matter winning the Heisman or losing the Heisman, I should be in that situation.”
The enthusiasm from Skattebo could inspire future athletes, highlighting the importance of self-belief and determination in achieving one’s aspirations. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on Skattebo’s journey, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in his promising career.