Arizona State Suns Devils Dominate Big 12 Championship, Sparking CFP Debate
Forget rankings. Forget analytics. When it comes to the College Football Playoff, the only thing that matters is wins. And Arizona State is winning, doing so in emphatic fashion.
The Sun Devils demolished Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship game, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with. Their victory, coupled with an impressive 11-1 record with quarterback Sam Leavitt at the helm, has Arizona State demanding respect.
“We’re 11-1 with our quarterback, and we’re Big 12 champs,” said head coach Kenny Dillingham. “I think we should be treated like an 11-1 team.”
Claiming the Big 12 Crown
Arizona State’s dominance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. They entered the week ranked 15th in the CFP rankings, but their recent performances have pushed them firmly into the playoff conversation. Winning the Big 12, a conference they joined just this year, has also fueled their argument for a higher seed.
A preseason prediction had them finishing last in the Big 12, but Dillingham believed in his team’s potential. Now, their undefeated run in conference play speaks for itself.
The team’s fate likely hinges on the outcome of the ACC championship game between Clemson and SMU. If Clemson upsets the highly ranked Mustangs, it could create a shakeup, potentially pushing Arizona State into a favorable seeding position.
The CFP’s Bye Conundrum
The process for determining playoff seeding, however, has sparked debate. With byes awarded to conference champions, regardless of their ranking, it has created scenarios where deserving teams could be left out.
Conference championship games, formerly glamorous for the sheer prestige of a title, now carry added weight as teams fight to secure playoff positioning.
A Weekend of High-Stakes Matchups
With the CFP picture becoming clearer, several conference championship games will provide dramatic twists and turns this weekend.
- SEC Championship: No. 2 Texas vs. No. 5 Georgia
- Big Ten Championship: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 3 Penn State
These matchups will not only determine conference champions but will also influence the final playoff bracket.
Ready to See Who Makes the Cut? Tune in this weekend and witness the drama unfold as teams battle for a chance to compete for the national championship!