Sun Devils' Cinderella season ends with crushing Peach Bowl defeat
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ASU running back gets emotional after a double overtime Peach Bowl loss. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
ASU's Cinderella season came to a crushing end with a double overtime 39-31 loss to the University of Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl Wednesday afternoon.
Why it matters: The Sun Devils hoped to extend their season with a ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals, but instead concluded their expectation-defying post-season run in Georgia.
The big picture: ASU started the fourth quarter down 24-8 but staged a dramatic comeback and nearly defeated the Longhorns.
- The game ended after ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt threw an interception in the second overtime.
1 big star: Senior running back Cam Skattebo showed up in unbelievable fashion with two rushing touchdowns, a two-point conversion and a passing touchdown — after vomiting on the sidelines.
- Skattebo was named the Peach Bowl offensive MVP — the first time a member of the losing team received the honor in 26 years, according to Sports360az.
1 big gripe: Some college football fans — especially those rooting for the Sun Devils — took umbrage with referees refusing to call targeting on Texas safety Michael Taaffe who made helmet-to-helmet contact with ASU wide receiver Melquan Stovall at the end of the fourth quarter.
- Had the refs made the call, the Sun Devils would have had good field position, a fresh set of downs and an opportunity to secure victory in regulation.
The intrigue: ASU brought in head coach Kenny Dillingham in 2022 to rebuild the school's flailing football program.
- In only his second season, his Sun Devils won the Big 12 conference championship and made a profound splash in the College Football Playoff.
- ASU athletic director Graham Rossini on Tuesday formally announced that the university agreed to a five-year contract extension for Dillingham, with a "pathway" to extend to 10 years, the Arizona Republic reported.
What's next: Skattebo is likely headed to the NFL draft, but many of Dillingham's Devils, including Leavitt, will return next season — with big expectations.
- The team's playoff run is expected to entice more transfers, including those who can help fill the hole Skattebo will leave in the offense.
The bottom line: This may be just the beginning for the Sun Devils.