Big 12 Championship Recap: A Game of Firsts
The Big 12 Championship game was historic, marking several milestones and showcasing incredible performances on both sides.
For Iowa State, this season was groundbreaking, as it marked the program’s first-ever 10-win season. However, the day belonged to Arizona State, who became the first team in 20 years to join a Power Five conference and immediately win the conference championship.
First Quarter: Early Fireworks
Arizona State (ASU) received the opening kickoff, starting their first drive at their 25-yard line after a touchback. Running back Cameron Skattebo made an immediate impact with a 28-yard run on the opening play. Quarterback Jaden Rashada, stepping up in a pivotal moment, connected with wide receiver Elijah Badger for a series of key completions. Although the drive stalled on third down, kicker Jace Feely nailed a 32-yard field goal, giving ASU an early 3-0 lead.
Iowa State (ISU) answered with a methodical 12-play drive. Quarterback Rocco Becht showcased his dual-threat capabilities, capping the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Moore. Chase Contreraz added the extra point, and ISU took a 7-3 lead.
ASU responded with a bold move on their next possession. Facing a fourth-and-1 on their own 34-yard line, Rashada executed a brilliant play-action fake and found a wide-open Badger for a 63-yard gain. Three plays later, Rashada ran it in himself from 3 yards out, and Feely’s PAT gave ASU a 10-7 lead.
Becht then led ISU on another impressive drive, with key completions to Jaylin Noel and Daniel Jackson. As the first quarter ended, ISU faced a first-and-goal from the 9-yard line.
Second Quarter: Momentum Shifts
The Cyclones struggled to capitalize on their promising drive, hampered by a penalty and a loss of yardage. They settled for a 36-yard field goal by Contreraz, tying the game at 10-10.
ASU regained momentum on their next drive. Skattebo delivered a bruising 42-yard run, breaking multiple tackles and setting the tone. He later capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, putting ASU ahead 17-10.
ISU’s ensuing drive stalled after a controversial no-call on an end-zone pass attempt, frustrating Cyclone fans and coaches. Contreraz missed a 46-yard field goal attempt, and ASU took over. Rashada connected with tight end Jalin Conyers for a 43-yard strike, but the drive stalled after a sack by ISU’s Dominque Orange. ASU punted, pinning ISU deep.
The Sun Devils continued to dominate, with Skattebo breaking free for a 53-yard run. Moments later, he punched it in from 2 yards out, extending ASU’s lead to 24-10 at halftime.
Third Quarter: ASU Pulls Away
ISU opened the second half but immediately stumbled when Carson Weak fumbled after a hard hit by ASU’s defensive back Chris Edmonds. ASU recovered at the ISU 43-yard line. Rashada capitalized on the short field, finding Conyers for a 3-yard touchdown pass, making it 31-10.
On ISU’s next drive, Becht threw an interception to ASU’s Dee Ford, who returned it to the Cyclones’ 26-yard line. Rashada quickly turned the turnover into points, hitting Conyers for an incredible touchdown catch, extending the lead to 38-10.
ISU’s struggles continued as another fumble by Weak was recovered by ASU. Rashada found Skattebo on a screen pass, and the star running back turned it into a 33-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 45-10.
Fourth Quarter: ISU’s Late Effort
Despite the deficit, ISU refused to quit. Becht led a 13-play, 70-yard drive, ending in a 26-yard field goal by Contreraz. After forcing a three-and-out, ISU added another touchdown, a 25-yard pass from Becht to Noel. However, their two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 45-19.
ASU ran out the clock with backup quarterback Trenton Bourguet, sealing their dominant victory.
Key Performances:
ASU’s Cameron Skattebo was the undisputed star of the game, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. He also caught two passes for 38 yards, including a touchdown, setting a Big 12 Championship Game record for total yards.
Rashada was equally impressive, throwing for 257 yards and three touchdowns while adding another on the ground. The balanced attack overwhelmed Iowa State, whose valiant efforts were overshadowed by turnovers and missed opportunities.
Historic Win for ASU
The Sun Devils’ victory marked a historic milestone as they became the first team in two decades to win a Power Five conference championship in their inaugural season. With their current form, ASU might be the hottest team in college football.
Final Score: Arizona State 45, Iowa State 19.
