Cam Skattebo delivered a stellar performance to lead the 15th-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils to a resounding 45-19 victory over No. 16 Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game. With 170 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and a record-breaking season, Skattebo was the undeniable star, helping Arizona State secure its first outright conference title since 1996 and a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Record-Breaking Performance From Cam Skattebo Leads To Playoff Berth
The Sun Devils’ remarkable season under 34-year-old coach Kenny Dillingham defied all expectations. Projected to finish at the bottom of their new 16-team Big 12 conference, Arizona State instead emerged victorious with an 11-2 record, fueled by a six-game winning streak. Cam Skattebo’s explosive runs, including a 28-yard opener and a highlight-reel 47-yard effort, set the tone for the game. His 2,074 scrimmage yards (1,568 rushing, 506 receiving) marked a school record, cementing his status as a cornerstone of this historic season.
Iowa State’s defense struggled to contain the Sun Devils, particularly in the second half. Turnovers on the Cyclones’ first three drives after halftime opened the door for freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt to shine, throwing three touchdowns, including a 33-yard pass to Cam Skattebo. While Iowa State’s Rocco Becht extended his streak of games with a touchdown pass to 17, it wasn’t enough to overcome Arizona State’s dynamic offense, which notched six plays of over 20 yards in the first half alone.
Arizona State now heads to the College Football Playoff as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. While Mountain West champion Boise State may earn the first-round bye, the Sun Devils’ dramatic turnaround from a 3-9 record last year to conference champions this season underscores their resilience and rising prominence in college football. Skattebo’s electrifying contributions have not only rewritten school records but have also set the stage for an exciting postseason journey.
