Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham sends clear message to playoff selection committee after winning Big 12

Arizona State Sun Devils showcased their dominance as they defeated Iowa State in a thrilling Big 12 championship game on Saturday. The victory has put the College Football Playoff selection committee in a tight spot as they now have to determine if ASU’s stellar performances towards the end of the regular season, along with their impressive win in the title game, are enough to secure one of the top four spots in the playoff.

Heading into the conference championship weekend, ASU was ranked five spots behind Boise State in the latest playoff rankings. Boise State, who was in the 10th position before the Mountain West title game, is now being projected by some to potentially claim the fourth seed in the playoff rankings. The new 12-team playoff format dictates that the top four seeds must win their respective conference championships.

After clinching the Big 12 title, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham proudly highlighted the Sun Devils’ remarkable 11-2 record and conveyed a clear message to the selection committee. Dillingham emphasized the team’s impressive performance throughout the season and their deserving claim to be treated as an 11-1 team, similar to how Florida State was evaluated in the previous season’s playoff rankings.

Dillingham referenced the situation with Florida State, where the Seminoles’ playoff hopes were impacted by an injury to their starting quarterback, resulting in them missing out on a top-four spot in the final rankings. ASU’s only losses of the season came against Cincinnati and Texas Tech, with quarterback Sam Leavitt absent in the former game.

The final playoff rankings are set to be unveiled on Sunday night, determining the top four seeds who will receive a first-round bye in the playoff. ASU’s remarkable run and Big 12 championship triumph have certainly put them in contention for a coveted playoff spot, and all eyes will be on the selection committee’s decision.

As the college football season reaches its climax, the race for the playoff spots intensifies, with teams like Arizona State making a compelling case for inclusion in the top four. Stay tuned for the final playoff rankings announcement and the ensuing excitement of the postseason.