Cam Skattebo delivered a standout performance, amassing 170 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown as the 12th-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils triumphed over the No. 16 Iowa State Cyclones with a score of 45-19 in the Conference championship game. This victory secures Arizona State’s place in the 12-team College Football Playoff and marks a remarkable achievement in their inaugural season in the Big 12, concluding with an impressive six-game winning streak.
Under the guidance of head coach Kenny Dillingham, 34, the Sun Devils finished the season with an overall record of 11-2, attaining a No. 15 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. Meanwhile, Iowa State concluded its season at 10-3, also achieving the program’s first 10-win season in its 133-year history.
Arizona State took control early and built a 24-10 lead before halftime. After the break, Iowa State struggled with turnovers on three consecutive drives, allowing the Sun Devils to extend their lead further. Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt capitalized on those turnovers, throwing touchdown passes to Xavier Guillory, who caught two TDs within a 71-second span, while Skattebo turned a swing pass into a stunning 33-yard touchdown.
Skattebo’s remarkable season has set a single-season school record with a total of 2,074 yards from scrimmage, comprising 1,568 rushing yards and 506 receiving yards. Highlights of his performance included a fantastic 28-yard run on the opening snap and a 53-yard run right before halftime, showcasing his impressive ability to evade tackles.
Despite the loss, Iowa State’s Rocco Becht continued his streak of throwing a touchdown in 17 consecutive games and completed the match with 214 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Sun Devils’ ability to deliver numerous big plays, including six that went for over 20 yards in the first half alone, demonstrates their offensive prowess, even in the absence of their leading receiver.
Overall, this victory sets a bright future for Arizona State as they continue their season in the College Football Playoff. The performance of Cam Skattebo not only earned him the title of Most Outstanding Player but also reinforces the potential of the Sun Devils as a rising powerhouse in college football.
In summary, the Sun Devils’ victory reflects a promising turnaround for the program and highlights the exceptional contributions from their players, suggesting that they could be significant contenders in the upcoming playoff.