A Championship Clash: Arizona State Faces Iowa State in Big 12 Title Game
Arizona State finds itself one win away from an unimaginable opportunity in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Just a year after finishing last in the 16-team Big 12, the No. 15 Sun Devils square off against No. 16 Iowa State in the conference championship game Saturday in Arlington.
The dramatic turnaround under Head Coach Kenny Dillingham was unexpected after a disappointing 3-9 record in 2023. “This team wasn’t on anyone’s radar before the season, so this success is truly remarkable– “ It’s a testament to the work ethic and determination this team has showed through the ups and downs,” Dillingham said after the clinching victory.
Before the season even started, the Cyclones heritage is rich, with the pair capturing a conference championship for the first time
Iowa State (10-2) found themselves needing a helping hand to reach this
The Cyclones (10-2) appeared headed for the playoff before consecutive losses to Texas Tech and Kansas derailed their initial success and silenced their aspirations. They bounced back with three straight wins to get themselves right back in the playoff conversation.
Iowa State
Iowa State was not selected as one of the top two teams in the Big 12, but upsets by BYU and Colorado impacted their chance at the Big 12 title.
“It’s been a crazy ride,” Cyclones safety Beau Freyler said. “We are fortunate to have earned the chance to play for a championship”
Arizona State had a
Arizona State ran through the regular season winning
But Iowa State will look to it’s
Iowa State has a
Arizona State should
Iowa State’s
The Cyclones’ effort to contain Arizona State’s rushing attack, led by
The Sun Devils enter the
Can a team’s dramatic turnaround from worst to first in a single season culminate in a coveted College Football Playoff berth?
## A Championship Clash: Arizona State Faces Iowa State in Big 12 Title Game – An Interview With Coach Dillingham
**Host:** Coach Dillingham, congratulations on a remarkable season. This team went from last place to a potential College Football Playoff berth in just one year. What’s been the key to this turnaround?
**Coach Dillingham:** To be honest, I don’t think anyone expected this. This team wasn’t even on the radar before the season. But their work ethic, determination, their belief in each other…that’s what made this possible. We faced adversity, had our highs and lows, but this group never quit. It’s a testament to their character.
**Host:** You face a tough opponent in Iowa State. They’ve battled their way back into contention after some mid-season struggles. What are your thoughts going into the championship game?
**Coach Dillingham:** Iowa State is a great football program. They’re incredibly well coached, they play hard, and they have a lot of talent. We know it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re excited for the challenge. We’re going to prepare hard and give it our all.
**Host:**Now, you’re just one win away from potentially punching your ticket to the College Football Playoff. What would that mean for this program and for these players?
**Coach Dillingham:** It would be a dream come true. These guys have worked incredibly hard, overcome so much, and to see them achieve something so special would be truly remarkable. It would be a statement for this program, for Arizona State University, and for everyone who believed in us.
**Host:** Coach, thank you for your time. Best of luck in the Big 12 ChampionshipGame.
**Can a program go from worst to first in just one season and crash the College Football Playoff? Will this remarkable Arizona State team be able to pull off the ultimate Cinderella story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!** [[1](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2024-big-12-championship-game-arizona-state-vs-iowa-state-matchup-set-after-wild-conference-race/)]
