Cam Skattebo. Image Credit: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
You had to be living in a bubble within the Valley to have not heard of the Cinderella season that Arizona State football has been having (read our coverage here). And it would probably be from the confines of a similar bubble to have not heard of the Sun Devils’ heartbreaking double-overtime loss to the Texas Longhorns in their college football playoff game on January 1st. And while it was truly a devastating loss, we should instead see it as a reason to celebrate.
First, regarding the game itself, it’s not a stretch to call it one of the best college football games of this millennium. It began by looking like Arizona State did not belong, falling behind 17-3 at the half and simply looking overmatched, as if the game would turn into a point of embarrassment. But the Sun Devils roared back on the legs (and hands…and arm) of running back Cam Skattebo, as he did everything in his power to will the team back, even vomiting on the sidelines but pushing through.
The Sun Devils tied the game in regulation, leading to overtime. They then drew first blood with a touchdown in overtime and forced the Longhorns into a 4th down and long; one stop there and they would have won. But the Longhorns pulled off a miracle of their own to tie the game, scored in 2nd overtime and prevented the Sun Devils from matching, leading to the disappointing loss.
Skattebo ended as both the leading rusher AND receiver for the Sun Devils, with 143 yards through the ground and 99 through the air, and even added a touchdown pass, a brilliant bow on top of a career that will likely continue in the pros.
Yes, it’s hard not to be bitterly disappointed as a result of this game, but it did perfectly encapsulate what this season has been. The Sun Devils were 13.5 point underdogs, yet again disrespected in a season that began with predictions that they would finish last in the conference. But they pushed through a poor start and gained steam, powered by grit and fierce determination. They showed the country who they were.
Skattebo will likely continue his career as a pro, and replacing him will be difficult, if not impossible. But Coach Kenny Dillingham was recently awarded for this year’s stunning success with a five year contract extension, setting him up to replicate this magic for years to come, and it couldn’t happen to someone more deserving. Future recruiting will likely also be much more lucrative as blue chip high school prospects now see a winning program.
Disappointing, yes? But this program’s future is so bright it has to wear shades, and that gives us hope.