In an impressive display, 12th-ranked Arizona State defeated No. 16 Iowa State 45-19 in the 2024 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship held in Arlington, Texas. Cam Skattebo was the star of the match, rushing for 170 yards and scoring two touchdowns, while also catching a touchdown pass.
Under the leadership of head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils concluded their first season in the Big 12 with a record of 11-2 and secured the championship title. This victory marks a notable six-game winning streak for the Sun Devils.
Iowa State, boasting its first 10-win season in the program’s 133-year history, found itself trailing 24-10 at halftime. The Cyclones struggled after the break, committing turnovers on their first three possessions, which allowed Arizona State to capitalize on the opportunities. Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt threw touchdown passes following each of those turnovers.
In a flurry of impressive scoring plays, Xavier Guillory caught two touchdown passes within a span of 71 seconds, and Skattebo showcased his skills with a 33-yard touchdown reception that solidified a commanding 45-10 lead. Leavitt had a commendable performance, completing 12 of 17 passes for 219 yards.
Skattebo made his mark early in the game with a 28-yard run on the first play and continued to impress with a series of long runs, highlighting his ability to evade tackles. His remarkable season totals now include a school record of 2,074 yards from scrimmage, which consists of 1,568 rushing and 506 receiving yards.
For Iowa State, Rocco Becht managed to throw a touchdown in his 17th consecutive game but faced difficulty as Arizona State’s defense restricted significant gains. His touchdown pass on the opening drive briefly gave the Cyclones a lead before their struggles continued.
Despite missing their leading receiver, Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State delivered several explosive plays, particularly in the first half. They executed six plays over 20 yards, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
In recognition of his standout performance, Cam Skattebo was named the Most Outstanding Player of the game.
This victory not only signifies a historic moment for Arizona State as they establish themselves in the Big 12 but also showcases emerging talent, suggesting a bright future for the program. The Sun Devils’ success sets a promising precedent for the team and its supporters as they look ahead to upcoming seasons with optimism and momentum.