Sun Devils Chase the Big 12 Conference Championship Game

Arizona State and the Big 12 Football Championship Game can still be spoken about in the same sentence. Four months ago that seemed like a fantasy that only a crazy person might speak out loud.

Now, it’s a something that just might happen. For real.

Once the Sun Devils dispatched of the BYU Cougars last Saturday 28-23 at Mountain America Stadium fans, alumni, media, and the team had to really start thinking that this trip to Dallas, Texas for the Big 12 Conference Championship could really happen.

There are still different possibilities that could happen to thwart Arizona State and their chances of getting to the big game.

To get to the Big 12 Football Championship Game is still pretty simple for the Sun Devils. Beat rival Arizona this Saturday and they are in. Arizona State is the favorite at +135 according to FanDuel to win the championship game because they have the best chance of getting there.

Even with those good odds the Sun Devils are still one of nine teams that have a chance to get to the Big 12 Championship Game. ASU sits atop of the Big 12 Conference with a 6-2 record. However, Colorado, BYU, and Iowa State also sit at 6-2 in conference play. There are also a slew of teams sitting just one game back with a record of 5-3. Baylor, Texas Tech, West Virginia, TCU, and Kansas State have a shot at the title game. Those 5-3 teams need help to advance to the title game.

The 5-3 teams will need to win and have three of 6-2 teams take a loss to have a shot at going to Dallas. In essence, the 5-3 teams need divine intervention for them to advance into the championship game.

On Sunday afternoon, the Big 12 sent out a press release going into detail with different scenarios for teams. Included in these scenarios was a specific one for Arizona State that would keep them out of the title game.

Here it is.

If Houston beats BYU, Texas Tech beats West Virginia, Baylor drops Kansas and Cincinnati defeats TCU, then the Sun Devils will be left out for Colorado against Iowa State — if CU and ISU also win.

Two-team tie


The two tied teams at 7-2 will be the Championship game participants.

Three-team tie

• Colorado loss: Arizona State vs. Iowa State
• Arizona State loss: Iowa State vs. BYU
• Iowa State loss: Arizona State vs. BYU
• BYU loss:
  • If Texas Tech defeats West Virginia, then
    • If Baylor beats Kansas and Cincinnati beats TCU: Colorado vs. Iowa State
    • Otherwise: Colorado vs. Arizona State
  • If West Virginia defeats Texas Tech: Arizona State vs. Iowa State

Four-team tie

• Arizona State vs. Iowa State

Teams who are 5-3 entering the week must win and see at least three of the four 6-2 teams take a loss.

Michael J. Wilson-The Daily Waiver