ASU Football Earns Playoff Spot with Big Win

ASU football has secured a spot in the College Football Playoff after thrashing Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 Championship. The Sun Devils are now waiting to find out who their opponent will be and if they'll get a first-round bye. The selection show airs on ESPN at 10 a. m. MST on Sunday. Head coach Kenny Dillingham believes ASU should be considered an 11-1 team, despite their loss to Cincinnati without their star quarterback Sam Leavitt. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark agrees, essentially confirming that ASU will play in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale. The four highest-rated conference champions get bye weeks. The outcome of the ACC Championship Game between SMU and Clemson could influence ASU's seeding. Similarly, Boise State's win over UNLV might keep them in the bye slot. The committee will weigh in on the point differentials from these games. The SEC and Big Ten champions are likely to get the first two bye slots. ASU could end up in the Fiesta Bowl with a bye week or after a first-round win. If they don't get a bye, they might have to travel to play the loser of the SEC or Big Ten title game or face Notre Dame. The first round starts on Dec. 21, with one game on Dec. 20 at 6 p. m. MST. The Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 is the first quarterfinal, followed by the rest on Jan. 1.