Arizona State Shocks Iowa State to Win Big 12 Championship, Secure No. 4 Seed in College Football Playoff
ARLINGTON, Texas — Arizona State's debut season in the Big 12 has been nothing short of spectacular. Once pegged as a bottom-dweller in the conference, the Sun Devils proved they belong on the national stage, cruising to a 45-19 victory over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship on Saturday night. With the win, Arizona State (11-2, No. 4 CFP) not only claimed its first outright conference title since 1996, but also secured a spot in the College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed.
Led by a Heisman-worthy performance from running back Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 170 yards and scored three touchdowns, Arizona State extended its six-game winning streak and entered the Playoff as one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Skattebo's 2,074 yards from scrimmage this season (1,568 rushing, 506 receiving) set a new school record, and he made his case for a Heisman Trophy invitation with a series of big plays in the championship game, including a 47-yard run that showcased his bruising style and quick feet.
“I’ve got the best seat in the house,” said freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, who handed the ball off to Skattebo throughout the night. “I just get ready for a 5-yard gain, and then I see him weave through traffic and bust loose. It’s fun to watch.”
Iowa State’s Turnovers Prove Costly
The Cyclones (10-3, No. 16 CFP), making their first appearance in a Big 12 title game, started strong but were undone by turnovers and a series of missed opportunities in the second half. Iowa State had a 7-3 lead early after Rocco Becht’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Carson Hansen, but Arizona State answered with a 28-yard touchdown run from Skattebo to take a 10-7 lead.
The pivotal moment came after halftime when Iowa State faltered with three consecutive turnovers in its own territory. The Sun Devils capitalized on each mistake, with Leavitt throwing two touchdown passes to Xavier Guillory in a span of just 71 seconds.
"I can't say enough about our defense," said Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, who took over the program this year and has led the Sun Devils to one of the most impressive turnarounds in college football. "We knew turnovers could be a difference-maker, and we took advantage of every single one."
After Guillory’s second touchdown, Skattebo added another blow with a 33-yard touchdown reception, turning a swing pass into a highlight-reel score. Skattebo punctuated his performance with his own Heisman pose, a gesture aimed at reminding the college football world that he is one of the best running backs in the nation.
Arizona State’s Offensive Explosion
Even without injured top receiver Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State’s offense put on a clinic. Leavitt, in his first season as a starter, showed poise beyond his years, finishing 15-of-20 for 220 yards and three touchdowns. His first pass of the game was a 22-yard completion to Melquan Stovall, who later caught a 63-yard bomb to convert a critical fourth-and-1.
The Sun Devils had six plays of more than 20 yards before halftime, stretching the field and keeping Iowa State’s defense on its heels. In contrast, Iowa State’s offense struggled to generate big plays, with Rocco Becht completing 21 of 35 passes for 214 yards. His late 25-yard touchdown to Jaylin Noel was the only major gain for the Cyclones in the second half, and it was too little, too late.
Arizona State’s defense also had a big hand in the win, limiting Iowa State to just 72 yards on the ground. The Cyclones’ rushing attack, led by Jirehl Brock, was stifled all game, as Arizona State’s defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage.
A Historic Turnaround
The Sun Devils’ victory caps a remarkable turnaround after a 3-9 campaign last season, their final year in the Pac-12. Arizona State’s eight-game improvement is the best in the FBS this year, surpassing the previous record of five. Under Dillingham, the Sun Devils have embraced a new identity — one built on physicality, explosive plays, and resilience — all of which were on display in their championship-winning performance.
“Last year, this team was 3-9,” said Dillingham, his voice brimming with pride. “This year, we’re champions. I’m proud of every single guy in that locker room. They bought into the process, and now we’re in the College Football Playoff.”
The College Football Playoff Picture
As one of the five highest-ranked conference champions, Arizona State is now firmly in the College Football Playoff field. The Sun Devils are projected to be the No. 4 seed, though they will be watching Sunday’s CFP rankings closely, with Boise State (12-1, No. 10) and Clemson (10-3, No. 17) also in the mix for high playoff positions.
“Should we get a first-round bye?” Dillingham asked, referencing the controversy over how the CFP rankings should treat conference champions. “We’ve earned it. We’ve beat four ranked teams and won our conference. We should have a chance to host.”
Whether or not Arizona State earns a bye, they’ll be a formidable opponent in the playoff, with a balanced offense and a defense that can stifle any opponent. With Skattebo in the backfield and Leavitt growing in confidence each week, the Sun Devils are poised to make a run at the national title.
Takeaways
Arizona State: The Sun Devils' 45-19 win is a statement to the entire college football world. After an uncharacteristic down year, they’ve rebounded to win their first Big 12 Championship in their debut season, and with a six-game winning streak heading into the playoff, they’re one of the hottest teams in the country. Skattebo's performance in the championship game solidified his place among the nation’s elite running backs.
Iowa State: Despite a strong start, Iowa State's three turnovers in the third quarter were too much to overcome. The Cyclones had their first-ever 10-win season, but their inability to take care of the football in the second half derailed their chances of a championship. They’ll still make the playoff, likely with a home game in the first round, but they’ll need to clean up their mistakes if they want to make a deep run.
Up Next
Arizona State: The Sun Devils will prepare for their College Football Playoff debut, where they have landed the No. 4 seed.
Iowa State: The Cyclones will make their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff and will likely host a first-round game.
Final Score:
Arizona State 45, Iowa State 19
Key Performers:
Arizona State: Cam Skattebo (170 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 1 receiving TD), Sam Leavitt (15-20, 220 yards, 3 TDs)
Iowa State: Rocco Becht (21-35, 214 yards, 1 TD), Jaylin Noel (TD reception)
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
