I know what you are saying, "A.J. is going to be biased, because he lives in the state where ASU is." Of course I'm going for the juggernaut in this one. I'm in the state that doesn't win championships often, is known for the Grand Canyon, 115-degree temperatures and no Daylight Savings Time. So, everything that happens in Arizona, I can get exciting a little bit. ASU Football did what the Arizona Diamondbacks accomplished making the World Series last year, they shocked everyone into outer thinking.
Seriously, this team was supposed to be last in their new conference, the Big IX. Who cares, right? Kenny Dillingham replacing Herm Edwards? It's a good hire because Dillingham is an ASU alum and that should bring dollars and more donors to the program. Dillingham was probably like, "Nah, let's ruffle some feathers." That is the state of sports here. We have to ruffle feathers to get attention. It is a good, yet nauseating thing about Arizona sports. They have to ruffle some feathers to be noticed.
Jake Plummer, the late Pat Tillman, Juan Roque, Terrell Suggs......add Cam Skattebo to the list of the greatest Sun Devil to perform awesomely. I think he was injured at least five times in the game against Texas yet threw a pass for a touchdown and gained 274 yards all-purpose to help Arizona State come back against a team that was a favorite, just as ASU was just tossed around in the first three quarters. However, the spirits of 1996 came alive in Atlanta as the Devils tied the game. Then, came the one sign that Arizona State could have the gateway to a shocking conclusion. Texas kicker Bert Auburn doinks the winning field goal up the left upright. Skattebo decides to take matters in his own hands with another touchdown to put ASU up. Texas would answer back with a touchdown pass to extend the game. The Longhorns begin the second overtime with a very, quick touchdown on the first play. They connected on the two-point conversion since you have to in the second overtime. Unfortunately, the magic ended on an interception to end ASU's campaign.
They say all good things come to an end, and many people don't remember the losers. However, some people do remember them if they are fully invested emotionally. The Sun Devils were a beacon what Arizona sports have been lately, humans from outside of the state didn't give them a chance in hell to succeed before a season, only to give hope to Arizona and give hope to a brighter future.......hopefully.
So, I say to the 2024 Arizona State football team, take your bow, fellas.
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