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Arizona State Sun Devils Capture Big 12 Championship: Implications for CFP Rankings

In a decisive performance, the Arizona State Sun Devils triumphed over Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on December 7, 2024. This victory adds further weight to their strong finish to the regular season and raises questions about their potential placement in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.

The Sun Devils, who finished the regular season with an impressive record of 11-2, entered the championship weekend ranked five spots below Boise State in the latest playoff rankings. As the committee prepares to finalize the playoff selections, the outcome of the title game adds complexity to their decision-making process. Currently, the playoff format stipulates that only conference champions are guaranteed top seeds, placing additional emphasis on the performances of teams in championship games.

Boise State’s Standing

Boise State, having entered their Mountain West title game ranked 10th, could potentially finish as the fourth seed if they are rated higher than the Big 12 champions. This scenario hinges on the playoff committee’s perceptions and the overall performance metrics of these teams throughout the season.

Dillingham’s Call to Action

After lifting the championship trophy, ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham addressed the selection committee with a powerful argument emphasizing his team’s accomplishments. He highlighted that despite one loss during the regular season, the Sun Devils deserve recognition commensurate with their achievements, stating, “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 comments come in the context of last year’s CFP decisions, particularly the exclusion of Florida State from the playoff rankings despite their undefeated record and conference championship, which was affected by the injury of their starting quarterback, Jordan Travis. Such precedents could play a role in how the committee views ASU’s case.

Season Highlights and Future Prospects

This year, Arizona State’s only losses included a close matchup against Cincinnati, in which quarterback Sam Leavitt was absent, and a defeat to Texas Tech earlier in the season. The Sun Devils have shown resilience and improvement since their earlier setbacks, reinforcing their candidacy for a playoff berth.

The final playoff rankings are expected to be announced Sunday evening, revealing the fates of the teams vying for a position among the coveted top four seeds, who will earn a first-round bye in the playoffs. As the excitement builds, both the Sun Devils and their supporters await the committee’s decision with great anticipation.

For further updates on the selection outcomes and in-depth sports analysis, readers can follow the latest developments in college football.

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