Cam Skattebo steals show in Peach Bowl: Arizona State star RB did it all in heartbreaking loss to Texas

Entering the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown between (4) Arizona State and (5) Texas, the Sun Devils entered the fourth quarter down 24-8 without much hope of a comeback. Then star running back Cam Skattebo reminded the nation why he’s one of the best players in college football. 

Skattebo almost single-handedly powered Arizona State to a miraculous rally — this after “vomiting profusely” on the sideline, according to the ESPN broadcast — and gashed Texas’ defense in almost every way possible. He finished with 30 carries for 143 yards and two touchdowns, a team-high eight catches for 88 yards and one pass completion for a 42-yard touchdown. He accounted for 56% of Arizona State’s total offense. 

Though Arizona State ultimately fell short in a 39-31 double overtime loss, Skattebo’s heroic effort still earned him the game’s MVP honors. 

It all started when, on fourth-and-2 from Texas’ 42-yard line, Skattebo took a quick pitch from quarterback Sam Leavitt. Instead of running for the first down, Skattebo pulled up and launched the ball downfield, where wide receiver Malik McClain made a nice adjustment and finished the play for a huge touchdown. 

Arizona State’s defense, which had a strong day, did its part on the next drive. Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers attempted a deep pass that was intercepted by Arizona State defensive back Javan Robinson. 

With momentum building, Arizona State dialed up a shot play to Skattebo, who raced past Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe on a wheel route, caught a deep pass through pass interference and then gained extra yardage through a facemask penalty for a 62-yard play.

Another pass interference call on Texas put the ball near the end zone. Skattebo,…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/cam-skattebo-steals-show-in-peach-bowl-arizona-state-star-rb-did-it-all-in-heartbreaking-loss-to-texas/

Author : Will Backus

Publish date : 2025-01-01 22:53:00

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