Saturday features the four power conference title games that will shape the College Football Playoff field. The 12-team bracket will be announced Sunday afternoon.
Here’s what we’ll be following on Saturday (scroll down for live updates).
Given the chaotic and even nature of the Big 12 this season, it feels like no outcome would be a surprise in this game. Iowa State has found its groove on offense as the season has progressed, but its run defense can be leaky, and that could be a problem against Cam Skattebo and Arizona State.
Georgia used a dominating performance from its defensive front to overwhelm Texas in the first meeting, and Texas’ offensive line could be thinner on Saturday. Georgia’s offense also squandered some opportunities in that game. A loss for the Bulldogs would also be their third of the season, but it’s very hard to see Georgia dropping out of the 12-team playoff field given their current ranking.
Is the Big Ten title game a play-in for the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff? The Ducks enter as the only undefeated team at the top level of college football while Penn State took advantage of Ohio State’s loss to Michigan to sneak into the title game and move up a spot in the CFP rankings.
The ACC title game could have the most at stake. An SMU win likely gives the conference just one team in the College Football Playoff. A Clemson win could mean two berths for the conference, but only if the playoff committee keeps an 11-2 SMU team ahead of a 9-3 Alabama team that jumped Miami (10-2) on Tuesday in the next-to-last set of rankings.
Live23 updates
ASU punts it away
The Sun Devils couldn’t do much after the long pass and punt it back to the Cyclones. That’s the first punt of the game with 2:39 left in the first half.
ASU hits long pass
Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt just flung it up and somehow Malik McClain came down with it for a 43-yard gain and the Sun Devils are over midfield already.
Iowa State misses FG
The Cyclones had to settle for a 46-yard field goal attempt, but Kyle Konrardy missed the mark so they came away with nothing. That’s the first drive of the game that didn’t result in points.
ASU 17, ISU 10
The Cyclones are on the march and nearing the red zone already on the ensuing drive. There is some high-quality execution going on on the offensive side of the ball in this game.
Touchdown Arizona State!
The Sun Devils take advantage of the long run and find the end zone again on a short run by Cam Skattebo.
ASU 17, ISU 10
Skattebo breaks off long run
Arizona State is already near the red zone after Cam Skattebo broke about a dozen tackles during a 47-yard run.
Iowa State settles for FG
The Cyclones were moving the ball with ease until they got inside the red zone. Then Arizona State’s defense firmed up and forced a short field goal attempt.
We have a ballgame in Arlington folks!
ISU 10, ASU 10
End of 1Q: ASU 10, ISU 7
The Sun Devils are leading for the moment, but the Cyclones are moving the ball at will and already inside the red zone.
Touchdown Arizona State!
The Sun Devils take advantage of that deep ball and finish off the drive with a short TD run by QB Sam Leavitt to take the lead.
ASU 10, ISU 7
ASU converts on fourth down deep ball
On fourth-and-short at their own 34-yard line, the Sun Devils run a play action and hit a deep pass from Sam Leavitt to Melquan Stovall for 63 yards.
What a gutsy call by Kenny Dillingham!
Touchdown Iowa State!
The Cyclones have the first touchdown of the day after an 11-play, 75-yard drive culminates in a short TD pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Hansen.
ISU 7, ASU 3
The Cyclones have cobbled together a solid drive and are now inside the red zone.
ASU on the board first
After a quick-hitting drive featuring a 28-yard run by Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils faced a fourth-and-short in the red zone and opted for a field goal.
ASU 3, ISU 0
We are underway in the Big 12 title game with Arizona State vs. Iowa State!
The Sun Devils will have the ball first.
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