ASU’s magical season rolls on with opponent confirmed for Big 12 Championship

Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates after defeating the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After demolishing its arch-rival Arizona 49-7 on Saturday, ASU’s magical season progressed even further beyond expectations as it secured its spot in the Big 12 title game against Iowa State.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

With TCU beating Cincinnati 20-13, Arizona State (10-2, 7-2 Big 12) will play in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. MST in Arlington, Texas. Iowa State (10-2, 7-2) punched its ticket to the conference final by defeating Kansas State 29-21 and other results going in its favor.

Wreaking havoc down south in Tucson, Sam Leavitt completed 17-of-22 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns while Cam Skattebo scored three times and ran for 177 yards from 21 carries. On defense, the Sun Devils limited the Wildcats to 57 yards of offense in the first half and 210 overall, negating the strong connection between UA quarterback Noah Fifita and superstar Tetairoa McMillan from replicating Arizona’s explosive 59-23 win over ASU last year.

Whoever is crowned the conference’s champion would have a legitimate shot at receiving a spot in the expanded, 12-team College Football Playoff. The CFP begins on Dec. 20 with one game followed by three others on Dec. 21.

Arizona State was ranked No. 16 by the CFP committee and No. 14 by the Associated Press’ Top 25 last Sunday. With a dominant win over Arizona, the Sun Devils could very well jump up a few positions and gain more national attention over the next few days.

From being voted the worst team in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll after two consecutive 3-9 seasons to becoming a 10-win team and a contender for the CFP, ASU’s quick turnaround has been one of the most shocking success stories in college football and it will continue as far as it can go.

Takeaways from ASU winning Territorial Cup, demolishing Arizona 49-7

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*

Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini