ASU Football Controls Its Destiny in Big 12 Title Chase with Win Over BYU, Colorado’s Loss to Kansas
The path to the Big 12 Championship Colorado vs Kansas Game has become increasingly clear for Arizona State University (ASU) football following a hard-fought 28-23 victory over BYU, coupled with Colorado’s 37-21 loss to Kansas. With these results, the Sun Devils have positioned themselves to secure a spot in Arlington, Texas, with just one remaining hurdle: a win over rival Arizona in next week’s Territorial Cup.
A Season of Resurgence Under Kenny Dillingham Colorado vs Kansas
In his second season as head coach, Kenny Dillingham has revitalized the Sun Devils’ program, showcasing an impressive campaign by key players such as tailback Cam Skattebo, redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who has emerged as Leavitt’s primary target. Skattebo has been a standout, entering Saturday’s game as the only player in the FBS with over 1,000 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards, making him one of the most effective offensive forces for ASU this season.
Coordinators Earn Recognition for Improvement Colorado vs Kansas
The turnaround from consecutive three-win seasons has not gone unnoticed, earning contract extensions for Dillingham’s coordinators, Marcus Arroyo and Brian Ward. Their contributions have been vital to the team’s success. Arroyo’s strong connection with Leavitt dates back to a recruiting visit long before the quarterback transferred from Michigan State. Having previously served as Justin Herbert’s offensive coordinator at Oregon, Arroyo has drawn favorable comparisons between the two quarterbacks in terms of preparation and execution.
Receiver Jordyn Tyson has also praised Leavitt’s diligence, stating on the Sparky’s Den Podcast that the young quarterback is often more than ready to tackle challenges. This level of preparation, paired with constant communication between Leavitt and Tyson, has fostered a chemistry that has proved beneficial as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, Ward’s defensive unit has made significant strides, showing improvement of nine points per game from Year 1 to Year 2. The defense’s knack for creating turnovers has allowed ASU to effectively play complementary football, supporting the offense’s efforts.
Future Outlook: Focused on Team and Players Colorado vs Kansas
Coach Dillingham has prioritized securing extensions for his assistants and improving NIL compensation for players, demonstrating a commitment to team success before considering his own future contract, which is expected to be extended given the achievements this season. ASU sits just one win away from its first 10-win season since 2014, when former coach Todd Graham led the Sun Devils to back-to-back 10-win campaigns.
Big 12 Standings Snapshot After Week 13
The Sun Devils continue to make strides in the competitive Big 12 landscape. Here’s a look at the current standings:
| Team | Conference | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| No. 21 Arizona State Sun Devils | 6-2 | 9-2 |
| No. 14 BYU Cougars | 6-2 | 9-2 |
| No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones | 6-2 | 9-2 |
| No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes | 6-2 | 8-3 |
| Baylor Bears | 5-3 | 7-4 |
| Kansas State Wildcats | 5-3 | 8-3 |
| TCU Horned Frogs | 5-3 | 7-4 |
| Texas Tech Red Raiders | 5-3 | 7-4 |
| West Virginia Mountaineers | 5-3 | 6-5 |
| Kansas Jayhawks | 4-4 | 5-6 |
| Cincinnati Bearcats | 3-5 | 5-6 |
| Houston Cougars | 3-5 | 4-7 |
| UCF Knights | 2-6 | 4-7 |
| Arizona Wildcats | 2-6 | 4-7 |
| Utah Utes | 1-7 | 4-7 |
| Oklahoma State Cowboys | 0-8 | 3-8 |
Looking Ahead: Territorial Cup Showdown Colorado vs Kansas
ASU will head to Tucson for the highly anticipated Territorial Cup against Arizona on November 30 at 1:30 p.m. Fans can catch the game on FOX. As one of several Big 12 matchups placed on a six-day selection, the kickoff time and television details will be confirmed shortly.
With a chance to clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship, the stakes have never been higher for ASU football, as they aim for glory in a historic season.
