Kenny Dillingham, head coach of Arizona State, expressed his disappointment following the team’s tough 39-31 double-overtime loss to Texas in the Peach Bowl, acknowledging the emotional toll of the defeat that ended their College Football Playoff aspirations. “God, that one sucked,” he remarked frankly.
Arizona State had a rollercoaster season, facing challenges with earlier losses to Texas Tech and Cincinnati. However, they managed to rebound impressively, winning their last five regular-season games and claiming a spot in the playoff with a victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship.
In the Peach Bowl, the Sun Devils found themselves in a difficult position at halftime, trailing 17-3. Nevertheless, the team showcased their resilience, led by standout running back Cam Skattebo, bouncing back from a 24-8 deficit in the fourth quarter. They executed a clever trick play that sparked a comeback, ultimately tying the game after securing an interception against Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers.
Despite giving it their all and scoring first in overtime, the Sun Devils ultimately fell short after the Longhorns responded and sealed the game with a decisive interception in double-overtime.
Reflecting on the season as a whole, Dillingham emphasized the growth experienced by the team, marked by a stark turnaround from a dismal 3-9 season in his first year to an impressive 11-3 record. Notably, Arizona State claimed their conference title in their inaugural season in the Big 12 and secured their most wins in a season since 1996.
This season can be seen as a stepping stone for Dillingham and the Sun Devils as they lay the groundwork for future success, proving they can compete at higher levels in college football and establishing a sense of hope for the coming years.
Summary: Kenny Dillingham expressed deep disappointment after Arizona State’s loss to Texas in the Peach Bowl, which ended their College Football Playoff hopes. Despite setbacks earlier in the season, the team showed resilience, finishing with an 11-3 record and a Big 12 championship, showcasing significant growth and promising potential for future seasons.