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

Entering the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown between No. 4 seed Arizona State and fifth-seeded 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…

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

Author : Will Backus

Publish date : 2025-01-02 13:17:00

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