Sun Devils Shine in Big 12 Championship
Arizona State University (ASU) showcased their dominance in college football by defeating Iowa State in a commanding performance during the Big 12 championship game on Saturday. This victory not only secured the title but also reignited discussions about the Sun Devils’ potential placement in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Playoff Selection Committee Faces a Tough Decision
Now, the College Football Playoff selection committee is faced with a critical decision: should ASU’s impressive end-of-season performances, highlighted by a blowout win in the title match, earn them a spot among the top four teams in the playoff rankings?
Entering the championship weekend, ASU was positioned five spots behind Boise State in the latest playoff rankings. The Broncos, who were ranked 10th before the Mountain West title game, are projected by some analysts to move into the fourth seed, contingent on their performance.
Conference Championship Impact on Rankings
The new 12-team playoff structure emphasizes the importance of winning conference championships, as only those teams can secure the top four seeds. If Boise State is ranked higher than the Big 12 champion in the final playoff rankings, they will claim the coveted fourth seed.
Dillingham Advocates for ASU’s Record
Following ASU’s first Big 12 title victory, head coach Kenny Dillingham made a strong case to the selection committee, emphasizing the Sun Devils’ impressive 11-2 record. Dillingham argued, “Last year, they kept Florida State out because their quarterback didn’t play. We’re 11-1 with our quarterback. Eleven and one, and we’re Big 12 champs. I think we should be treated like an 11-1 team.”
Dillingham’s remarks reference Florida State’s situation, where the selection committee dropped them to fifth place due to the injury of their starting quarterback, Jordan Travis, despite their undefeated regular season and an ACC championship win.
ASU’s Performance and Key Players
The Sun Devils have been on a remarkable winning streak since their last loss in October, which was a 24-14 defeat to Cincinnati when starting quarterback Sam Leavitt was sidelined. Earlier in September, their only loss came against Texas Tech, where they were narrowly defeated 30-22.
With the final playoff rankings set to be released on Sunday night, the stakes are high for ASU. The top four seeds will secure a first-round bye, making their championship win even more crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Stay Updated with College Football News
For those following college football closely, keep an eye on the developments this weekend as the playoff picture unfolds. The excitement is palpable as teams await their fate in the postseason.
