The Arizona State Sun Devils, under the leadership of head coach Kenny Dillingham, have orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in the 2024 season, culminating in a 9-2 overall record and a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game. This resurgence is particularly noteworthy given the team’s 3-9 finish in the previous season, highlighting the effectiveness of Dillingham’s strategies and the players’ commitment to excellence. Offensively, the Sun Devils have been dynamic, averaging over 30 points per game. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has been central to this success, showcasing dual-threat capabilities that have kept defenses off balance. Leavitt has thrown for more than 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also contributing significantly on the ground, adding another dimension to the offense. His connection with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has been particularly impactful, with Tyson leading the team in receptions and receiving yards, providing a reliable deep threat. The ground game has been bolstered by running back Cameron Skattebo, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards, demonstrating a blend of power and agility that has been instrumental in sustaining drives and controlling the tempo of games. The offensive line has played a crucial role, providing Leavitt with ample protection and creating running lanes for Skattebo, contributing to the unit’s overall efficiency. Defensively, Arizona State has shown significant improvement, allowing an average of 20 points per game, a substantial decrease from the previous season. The defensive line, led by B.J. Green II, has been effective in generating pressure, accumulating a notable number of sacks and disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker Will Shaffer has been a standout, leading the team in tackles and providing leadership on the field. The secondary has been opportunistic, with cornerback Ro Torrence contributing several interceptions, aiding in the team’s positive turnover margin. Special teams have also been a strength, with kicker Carter Brown displaying consistency in field goal attempts, and the return units, spearheaded by D.J. Taylor, providing favorable field positions and occasional scoring threats. As the Sun Devils prepare to face the Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12 Championship Game, they aim to leverage their balanced offensive attack and improved defense to secure their first Big 12 title since joining the conference. A key to their success will be quarterback Sam Leavitt’s ability to execute under pressure against Iowa State’s disciplined defense, which ranks among the best in the conference. The Sun Devils must also establish their run game early with Cameron Skattebo to control the clock and keep Iowa State’s offense off the field. Defensively, containing Iowa State’s dual-threat quarterback Hunter Dekkers and preventing explosive plays from wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson will be critical. Arizona State’s preparation has been thorough, with a focus on disciplined execution and capitalizing on their strengths. With momentum on their side and a season of resilience behind them, the Sun Devils are determined to finish the year on a high note, earning both the championship and a potential berth in a prestigious bowl game. Their combination of young talent, veteran leadership, and a dynamic game plan positions them as a formidable opponent in this high-stakes matchup.