ASU football: Big 12 Championship preview against Iowa State

ARLINGTON, Texas. — Arizona State football is set to face Iowa State on Dec. 7 in the Big 12 Championship game. An improbable season has happened in Tempe after a 3-9 season in 2023. This is quite the feat for second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham.

While just over two years ago, an NCAA investigation and sanctions plagued the football program, Arizona State is far ahead of schedule in its rebuilding. The Sun Devils were picked to finish dead last in the BIG 12 media poll, but now they have a chance to win the league in Arizona State’s inaugural Big 12 season.

ASU has obviously been a massive surprise to everyone, and with a win on Saturday, the Sun Devils would be 11-2. A win on Saturday likely guarantees a spot in the College Football Playoff. Dillingham would presumably be a top candidate to win National Coach of the Year and have one of the best seasons in ASU football history.

Keys to winning the Big 12 Championship for Arizona State

Run the ball

The identity of the Sun Devil offense this year has been running the ball and bringing physicality to the opponent. It will be even more critical in the biggest game of the season since star receiver Jordyn Tyson is out for the remainder of the season. Tyson has over 1,100 receiving yards on the year and 10 touchdowns on the year.

The Sun Devil offense ranks No. 21 nationally with 195.3 rushing yards per game. Luckily for Arizona State, the Cyclone’s defense allows 173.6 rushing yards per game which ranks No.94 nationally.

I would expect to see the Sun Devils try to get the ground game going early and often. This means a heavy dose of Cam Skattebo and Kyson Brown which should help open up the passing game.

Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo (No. 4) is surrounded by his teammates celebrating a play during the Territorial Cup in Tucson on Nov. 30, 2024. Arizona State beat Arizona, advancing to the Big 12 Championship. (Photo by Sedona Levy/Sun Devil Daily)

“As always you have to be able to run the ball and have good play action,” Dillingham said when asked if anything changes without Jordyn Tyson.

It will be critical to take the pressure off freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt’s shoulders in the game without his top target.

The turnover battle

Arizona State has been among the best in the nation all year in turnover margin and giveaways. Iowa State is not far behind the Sun Devils in the rankings either.

In the last three games for the Sun Devils, the team has gotten out to early leads of 21 points or more at halftime. In two of three of those games, the defense has a turnover in the first half. Continuing this trend would certainly help in the biggest game of the year.

The Arizona State defensive line celebrates a fumble recovery against Mississippi State at Mountain America Stadium on Sept. 7, 2024. (Photo by Sedona Levy/Sun Devil Daily)

“I still believe there is power in the ball and having the ball. We gotta be hopefully better than (Iowa State) at taking care of the football,” Dillingham said.

The Sun Devil defense has been in a stretch where they’ve forced at least one takeaway in seven consecutive games. This seven-game stretch includes the emergence of safety Xavion Alford. He has been making critical plays when it matters most, including helping in the turnover battle.

“To see X (Xavian Alford) come on these last two weeks and make critical plays is super rewarding for him. We’re going to need more of those plays this week,” Dillingham said.

Arizona State is currently 8-1 on the year when they win the turnover margin.

Texas to Tempe Movement

On the recruiting trail, Arizona State has dialed in on the Lone Star State since moving to the Big 12. The Sun Devils now play multiple games in Texas and Oklahoma, making it an easier trip for families to see them play. So far this season, ASU has played in Texas/Oklahoma three times; Texas State, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State. Now ASU will play in the state of Texas for a third time in Dallas for the Big 12 Championship game.

This nationally televised, primetime window now gives recruits to see the Sun Devils on the big stage. A chance for recruits to come to watch them play or watch them on TV. This will only help sell the brand of ASU and promote the program to some highly talented recruits. Time will only tell on how this game will impact ASU landing more Texas recruits.

“That’s why two years ago when I got the job here, we made an emphasis on recruiting in the state of Texas. I felt like the direction of college football was us toward the Big 12 … Playing a game there and being televised, being one of the things on the billboards there is huge for the brand of Arizona State football but just Arizona State as a university for all sports.”

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