Cam Scatterbo threw for 177 yards and three touchdowns, Sam Leavitt threw for three scores, and Arizona State defeated rival Arizona 49-7 on Saturday to finally earn a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game. Raised.
The Sun Devils (10-2, 7-2, Big 12, No. 16 CFP) needed a win and a little help to secure a berth in next Saturday’s Big 12 Championship Game. They got that help when TCU defeated Cincinnati late Saturday, sealing a trip to Arlington, Texas, next weekend where they will play Iowa State for the conference title.
Arizona State left no doubt about their victory.
The Sun Devils took a 35-0 lead at halftime on Skatebo’s three touchdown runs and rarely let up in the second half. Leavitt completed 17-of-22 passes for 291 yards, giving Arizona State 643 total yards on the year after a 59-23 home loss to Arizona.
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Arizona State’s Tetairoa McMillan had six catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in what was likely his last game before heading to the NFL. The Wildcats (4-8, 2-7) did little on either end to cap off a difficult first season under coach Brent Brennan.
After being humiliated in the previous Territorial Cup game, the Sun Devils were determined to get revenge in the most devastating way possible.
Mission accomplished.
Starting with a 2-yard touchdown run by Skatebo, Arizona State ran through, through and around the Wildcats. Jordyn Tyson converted a screen pass into a 13-yard touchdown, and Skatebo completed a 3-yard TD run to make it 28-0.
Arizona State closed out the first half by stopping Arizona on downs and quickly marched down the field for a 22-yard touchdown pass from Levitt to Shamon Metayer.
Former starting quarterback Trenton Bourguet threw his first career reception, a 64-yard touchdown pass to Derek Eusebio in the fourth quarter, giving Arizona State a 49-7 lead.
Take-out
Arizona State: With redemption and a chance at a Big 12 title within reach, the Sun Devils snatched both with a dominant performance.
Arizona: The Wildcats’ season started with high expectations and ended with a shock. Arizona State lost seven of its final eight games, ending in a loss almost as disappointing as Arizona State’s 70-7 home win four years ago.
No. 16 Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats Highlights | FOX College Football
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Arizona State: Will play in the Big 12 title game and potentially play in the CFP if things go well.
Arizona: The Wildcats lost bowl eligibility a year ago after ending a five-year bowlless streak. Arizona will likely lose McMillan, quarterback Noah Fifita and cornerback Takario Davis, but there should be plenty of other players back next season.
Reported by Associated Press.
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