Big 12 Showdown: The Rise of Arizona State and the Fall of Colorado
November 28, 2024, 4:23 pm
The Big 12 football landscape is a whirlwind of triumphs and tribulations. As the season nears its climax, Arizona State University (ASU) has emerged as a formidable force, claiming the top spot in the latest power rankings. Meanwhile, the Colorado Buffaloes have slipped from grace, grappling with inconsistencies that threaten their postseason aspirations.
Arizona State's ascent is nothing short of meteoric. With a record of 9-2, the Sun Devils have proven their mettle against ranked opponents. Their recent victory over No. 14 BYU, a nail-biter that ended 28-23, showcased their resilience. Cam Skattebo, the heart of their offense, rushed for 147 yards and three touchdowns, while Jordyn Tyson dazzled with 125 receiving yards. This marked ASU's third win against a nationally ranked team this season, a feat that speaks volumes about their capabilities. The Sun Devils have not only secured a spot in the top tier of the Big 12 but have also finished undefeated at home for the first time in two decades. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and determination.
In stark contrast, the Colorado Buffaloes find themselves in a downward spiral. Once perched at the top of the rankings, they now sit at 8-3 after a disappointing loss to Kansas, where they were outplayed 37-21. The Buffs' offense, despite averaging 7.3 yards per play, struggled to maintain possession, running only 42 plays throughout the game. Their defense, which had shown promise earlier in the season, faltered under pressure, allowing Kansas to dominate with 331 rushing yards. The Buffs' quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, has set a single-season school record for touchdown passes, but individual accolades cannot mask the team's collective struggles. With their next game against Oklahoma State looming, the pressure is mounting for Colorado to reclaim their footing.
Iowa State has also made waves in the Big 12, climbing to the second spot in the rankings. The Cyclones, boasting a record of 9-2, recently edged out Utah 31-28. Jayden Higgins shone brightly, catching nine passes for 155 yards, marking a significant milestone as he became one of the few Cyclones to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. With another player, Jaylin Noel, on the cusp of joining him, Iowa State is poised to make history. The Cyclones are not just winning; they are rewriting their legacy.
BYU, once a strong contender, has seen their fortunes wane after a narrow defeat to ASU. With a record of 9-2, the Cougars are now in a precarious position, needing to win against Houston and rely on other teams to falter to secure a spot in the Big 12 title game. Their recent performance against ASU showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Kansas State is another team to watch. After a rocky stretch, the Wildcats bounced back with a decisive 41-15 victory over Cincinnati. Their offense, once stagnant, roared back to life, amassing 281 rushing yards. The shift in strategy, with offensive coordinator Conor Riley moving to the sidelines, seems to have ignited a spark. Kansas State is still in the hunt for a title game appearance, proving that in the Big 12, anything is possible.
Baylor, with a record of 7-4, is clinging to hopes of a championship game berth. Their recent win over Houston was gritty, marked by a mix of offensive struggles and defensive heroics. The Bears have won five consecutive games, but their path to the title is fraught with challenges. They face Kansas next, a team that has shown resilience despite a rocky start to the season.
TCU is also making noise, winning four of their last five games. Their recent 49-28 victory over Arizona showcased their offensive prowess, with six rushing touchdowns. The Horned Frogs are on the verge of achieving their first eight-win regular season since 1984, a milestone that would rejuvenate their fanbase.
On the other end of the spectrum, teams like Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF are struggling to find their footing. Cincinnati's recent loss to Kansas State leaves them with a record of 5-6, and they face a must-win situation against TCU to qualify for a bowl game. Houston, with a dismal 4-7 record, is searching for answers after firing their offensive coordinator. UCF's postseason hopes evaporated with their latest defeat, marking the end of an eight-year bowl streak.
As the season winds down, the Big 12 is a tapestry of triumph and despair. Arizona State stands tall, while Colorado grapples with its identity. The Cyclones and Wildcats are on the rise, while others fight to stay relevant. In this conference, every game is a battle, and every team has a story to tell. The stakes are high, and the drama is palpable. The Big 12 is not just a conference; it’s a saga unfolding week by week, with twists and turns that keep fans on the edge of their seats. As the championship picture becomes clearer, one thing is certain: the road to glory is paved with challenges, and only the strongest will prevail.
Arizona State's ascent is nothing short of meteoric. With a record of 9-2, the Sun Devils have proven their mettle against ranked opponents. Their recent victory over No. 14 BYU, a nail-biter that ended 28-23, showcased their resilience. Cam Skattebo, the heart of their offense, rushed for 147 yards and three touchdowns, while Jordyn Tyson dazzled with 125 receiving yards. This marked ASU's third win against a nationally ranked team this season, a feat that speaks volumes about their capabilities. The Sun Devils have not only secured a spot in the top tier of the Big 12 but have also finished undefeated at home for the first time in two decades. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and determination.
In stark contrast, the Colorado Buffaloes find themselves in a downward spiral. Once perched at the top of the rankings, they now sit at 8-3 after a disappointing loss to Kansas, where they were outplayed 37-21. The Buffs' offense, despite averaging 7.3 yards per play, struggled to maintain possession, running only 42 plays throughout the game. Their defense, which had shown promise earlier in the season, faltered under pressure, allowing Kansas to dominate with 331 rushing yards. The Buffs' quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, has set a single-season school record for touchdown passes, but individual accolades cannot mask the team's collective struggles. With their next game against Oklahoma State looming, the pressure is mounting for Colorado to reclaim their footing.
Iowa State has also made waves in the Big 12, climbing to the second spot in the rankings. The Cyclones, boasting a record of 9-2, recently edged out Utah 31-28. Jayden Higgins shone brightly, catching nine passes for 155 yards, marking a significant milestone as he became one of the few Cyclones to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season. With another player, Jaylin Noel, on the cusp of joining him, Iowa State is poised to make history. The Cyclones are not just winning; they are rewriting their legacy.
BYU, once a strong contender, has seen their fortunes wane after a narrow defeat to ASU. With a record of 9-2, the Cougars are now in a precarious position, needing to win against Houston and rely on other teams to falter to secure a spot in the Big 12 title game. Their recent performance against ASU showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Kansas State is another team to watch. After a rocky stretch, the Wildcats bounced back with a decisive 41-15 victory over Cincinnati. Their offense, once stagnant, roared back to life, amassing 281 rushing yards. The shift in strategy, with offensive coordinator Conor Riley moving to the sidelines, seems to have ignited a spark. Kansas State is still in the hunt for a title game appearance, proving that in the Big 12, anything is possible.
Baylor, with a record of 7-4, is clinging to hopes of a championship game berth. Their recent win over Houston was gritty, marked by a mix of offensive struggles and defensive heroics. The Bears have won five consecutive games, but their path to the title is fraught with challenges. They face Kansas next, a team that has shown resilience despite a rocky start to the season.
TCU is also making noise, winning four of their last five games. Their recent 49-28 victory over Arizona showcased their offensive prowess, with six rushing touchdowns. The Horned Frogs are on the verge of achieving their first eight-win regular season since 1984, a milestone that would rejuvenate their fanbase.
On the other end of the spectrum, teams like Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF are struggling to find their footing. Cincinnati's recent loss to Kansas State leaves them with a record of 5-6, and they face a must-win situation against TCU to qualify for a bowl game. Houston, with a dismal 4-7 record, is searching for answers after firing their offensive coordinator. UCF's postseason hopes evaporated with their latest defeat, marking the end of an eight-year bowl streak.
As the season winds down, the Big 12 is a tapestry of triumph and despair. Arizona State stands tall, while Colorado grapples with its identity. The Cyclones and Wildcats are on the rise, while others fight to stay relevant. In this conference, every game is a battle, and every team has a story to tell. The stakes are high, and the drama is palpable. The Big 12 is not just a conference; it’s a saga unfolding week by week, with twists and turns that keep fans on the edge of their seats. As the championship picture becomes clearer, one thing is certain: the road to glory is paved with challenges, and only the strongest will prevail.