Arizona State's Incredible Rise: From Underdogs to College Football Playoff Contenders

Arizona State’s Football Journey: From Last Place to Playoff Contender

At the start of the season, few would have dared to predict Arizona State University’s (ASU) football team would become a top contender for the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Sun Devils were picked to finish dead last—16th in the Big 12 Conference. Yet here we are, and ASU's journey from underdog to potential playoff powerhouse is nothing short of extraordinary.

The Turning Point: A Win Over BYU

In a nail-biting 28-23 victory against BYU, Arizona State showcased its grit and determination, stunning critics and fueling hopes of a playoff berth. Cam Skattebo shined with 28 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns, propelling the Sun Devils to their fourth consecutive win. This victory not only boosted morale but also catapulted ASU into the national conversation.

But the game wasn’t without drama. In a bizarre twist, fans stormed the field prematurely, giving BYU a chance to attempt a last-second Hail Mary. The Cougars’ effort fell short, but the moment epitomized the unpredictable and thrilling nature of ASU’s season.

College Football Playoff Projections Heat Up

ASU’s rise has ignited excitement among analysts. The latest CFP projections place the Sun Devils among the top 12 teams, a position that seemed impossible at the season’s start. Here’s where some predictions stand:

1. The Athletic:

   • Seed: No. 4
   • Scenario: A first-round bye as the fourth-highest-ranked conference champion.
   • Matchup: Facing the winner of No. 5 Oregon and No. 12 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
     Steward Mandel, a respected analyst, emphasized the potential jump in ASU’s rankings, noting their significant win against BYU and expressing skepticism about Boise State maintaining a higher rank over a surging ASU.

2. The Sporting News:

   • Seed: No. 4
   • Matchup: A potential quarterfinal clash against the winner of No. 12 Boise State and No. 5 Ohio State.
     Bill Bender highlighted ASU’s rise as the “late-season darling,” fueled by impressive performances and a bizarre finish against BYU.

3. CBS Sports:

   • Seed: No. 12
   • Matchup: A first-round game against Oregon in Eugene.
     Brad Crawford praised ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham for orchestrating this remarkable turnaround, noting the Sun Devils as new betting favorites to win the Big 12.

4. USA TODAY Sports:

   • Seed: No. 12
   • Matchup: Taking on No. 5 Ohio State in Columbus during the opening round.

5. ESPN:

   • Among 13 analysts, five predict ASU as the No. 4 seed, six place them at No. 12, and two have them as No. 11.

Fiesta Bowl in the Cards?

Imagine this: ASU playing in the Fiesta Bowl, right in their backyard at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. For fans, it’s a dream scenario. If the Sun Devils secure the No. 4 seed, they’d enjoy a local quarterfinal game, sparking even more enthusiasm among their supporters.

The Fiesta Bowl matchup could pit ASU against top-tier opponents like Oregon, Boise State, or Ohio State. For a team picked to finish last, this leap into the CFP elite is nothing short of phenomenal.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the buzz, ASU’s path to the playoffs is far from guaranteed. The Sun Devils must first win their upcoming game against Arizona in the Territorial Cup. Beyond that, they’d likely need to clinch the Big 12 Championship to solidify their playoff spot.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss could derail their playoff dreams, but a win would further cement their Cinderella story.

What Makes ASU’s Run So Special?

• Resilience Against Odds: At the beginning of the season, few believed ASU could climb out of the Big 12 basement.
• Key Players Stepping Up: Cam Skattebo’s consistent performances and the team’s overall cohesion have been instrumental.
• Kenny Dillingham’s Leadership: The head coach’s strategies have turned doubters into believers, making ASU a force to be reckoned with.

National Spotlight: A Moment of Validation

The Sun Devils’ rise has captivated fans and analysts alike. ESPN’s 13 analysts unanimously included ASU in their CFP projections, an acknowledgment of the team’s incredible transformation. The Sporting News described them as “the late-season darling,” while CBS Sports declared them the new betting favorites for the Big 12 crown.

Stay Tuned for More Drama

As the season reaches its climax, all eyes are on the latest CFP rankings, set to be unveiled Tuesday at 6 p.m. MST on ESPN. With so much at stake, the excitement surrounding ASU football is palpable.

Could the Sun Devils’ playoff dream become a reality? For a team that started at rock bottom, anything now seems possible. Buckle up, ASU fans—the best may still be ahead.