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The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be one for the ages, especially in the Big 12 and SEC. With the College Football Playoff (CFP) race heating up and surprising underdogs making their mark, there’s no shortage of storylines that have captivated fans nationwide. From Kansas’ historic win over Colorado to Arizona State’s improbable surge into the Big 12 Championship race, this week’s action was a whirlwind of excitement, controversy, and incredible performances.
In this blog post, we break down the major developments from the past week, including Kansas’ dominant win, Colorado’s struggles, Arizona State’s magical run, and the nail-biting playoff implications that have made the 2024 season so compelling.
One of the most talked-about matchups this weekend was the clash between Colorado and Kansas, with the latter proving to be the physical team that many feared could upset the Buffaloes’ playoff hopes. Heading into the game, Colorado had been riding high after a strong start to the season, thanks to the electric performances of QB Shedeur Sanders and WR Travis Hunter. But, as anticipated, Kansas’ brutal ground game was too much for the Buffaloes to handle.
Kansas running back Devin Neal was the star of the game, rushing for 37 carries, 270 yards, and 3 touchdowns while adding another 80 yards through the air. Neal’s dominance on the ground was key to the Jayhawks’ 333-yard rushing performance, which allowed them to control the clock and keep the ball away from the high-powered Colorado offense. This physicality was something Colorado simply couldn’t match, and it became apparent as the game went on that the Buffaloes were unable to stop Neal and the Jayhawks’ relentless attack.
The win was a historic one for Kansas, who became the first team with a losing record to defeat three ranked opponents in consecutive weeks. This victory also kept Kansas’ hopes alive for a potential bowl game, a remarkable turnaround after starting the season 2-6.
Despite the loss, Colorado’s offense still showed flashes of brilliance. Shedeur Sanders completed 23 of 29 passes for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Travis Hunter caught 8 passes for 125 yards and 2 scores. However, in the end, their offense couldn’t overcome Kansas’ relentless rushing attack and was hampered by a lack of defensive stops.
While the defeat may have ended Colorado’s slim chances at a CFP berth, the performance of Sanders and Hunter continued to show why both are among the best in college football this season.
One of the most debated moments of the game came late in the second half when Sanders was the victim of what many argued was a clear targeting hit. The lack of an ejection for the Kansas defender drew widespread criticism, with many feeling that if similar hits had occurred on less high-profile players, they would have resulted in a penalty and an ejection. This controversy only added fuel to the fire of an already intense game, further elevating the drama surrounding the Big 12 and its officiating.
If Kansas’ victory was a statement of physical dominance, Arizona State’s recent run has been a testament to resilience and effective coaching. After a tough start to the season, Arizona State has gone on a tear, and they now find themselves on the brink of a historic Big 12 Championship berth.
In their latest win over BYU, running back Cam Scabbo was a one-man wrecking crew. Scabbo rushed for 147 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading a dominant Sun Devils offense that kept BYU on its heels for most of the game. Scabbo’s performance was backed up by Jordan Tyson’s solid play, making Arizona State’s offense hard to stop.
Despite a rocky start to the season, Arizona State has rallied under head coach Kenny Dillingham’s leadership, finding themselves one win away from a berth in the Big 12 Championship game. They’ve also become one of the most exciting teams to watch in college football, with their high-energy offense and gritty defense.
BYU, after a valiant second-half comeback, fell just short of taking down Arizona State. Despite trailing by 21 points early in the second half, BYU fought back with a mix of solid offensive execution and aggressive play-calling. However, their efforts weren’t enough, as they were unable to overcome some key mistakes and missed opportunities. Still, BYU’s season is far from over. They’re still in the mix for a Big 12 title spot, needing a win and some help from other teams.
What’s interesting about Arizona State’s surge is how closely it mirrors the journey Colorado has been on under Deion Sanders. Both teams were viewed as underdogs at the start of the season but have rapidly ascended thanks to strong coaching, playmakers, and a belief in their system. As the season winds down, it will be fascinating to see whether Arizona State can finish the job and represent the Big 12 in the championship game.
While Arizona State’s win over BYU may have stolen the headlines, the Big 12 race is far from over, especially with Iowa State still very much in the hunt. Iowa State’s 26-23 victory over Utah kept their Big 12 title hopes alive, but it wasn’t without drama.
Iowa State had to survive multiple miscues to pull out the win over Utah. A pick-six, a muffed punt, and missed field goals threatened to derail the Cyclones’ chances, but they kept their composure and eventually came through with a clutch drive. Despite the chaos, Iowa State’s ability to make key plays when it mattered most is a testament to their resilience and ability to fight through adversity.
Receiver Jaden Higgins was a key part of Iowa State’s victory, finishing with 155 yards and a touchdown. His ability to come up big in crucial moments has been a defining feature of the Cyclones’ offense this season. Iowa State’s defense also played a major role, limiting Utah to just 23 points despite the offensive struggles.
With so many teams vying for spots in the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff, the final weeks of the regular season will be filled with intense drama and high stakes. Kansas’ win over Colorado puts them in a strong position, but the conference is far from settled. Arizona State, BYU, and Iowa State all still have a shot, and the next few weeks will likely determine who gets the coveted spots in the title game.
For teams like Kansas and Iowa State, the CFP hopes are slim, but not entirely dead. A strong finish to the season, along with some chaos in the rankings, could allow them to sneak in. Meanwhile, Arizona State’s Cinderella story could be enough to push them into the conversation for a New Year’s Six bowl game, if not a shot at the Big 12 title. For Colorado, the road to the playoffs now looks much tougher, but they’ll likely be a major factor in shaping the playoff picture with their remaining games.
The 2024 college football season has been nothing short of thrilling, and there’s still plenty of action left to play out. Make sure you stay up-to-date with all the latest Big 12 news and playoff analysis by subscribing to the GSMC College Football Podcast. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and leave a review to let us know what you think about the season so far!
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