AMES – Matt Campbell took the podium Tuesday in Ames to address members of the media before Saturday’s Big 12 Conference championship game between Iowa State and Arizona State (11 a.m. ABC).

The Cyclones will face one of the league’s top offenses, even if the Sun Devils will be without a star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

“They’re dynamic,” Campbell said. “I think they have a unique ability to put pressure on the defense in every way and shape. And of course you never want to lose a good football player at this time of year. But I think good football teams have great players, and they definitely have a collection of those guys.”

Arizona State is led by running back Cam Skattebo. The senior has rushed for 1,398 yards on 247 carries this season, good for eighth in the country.

He impressed Campbell enough to draw a comparison David Montgomery, The former Cyclone tailback tears through NFL defenses every week.

“The respect I would have — the last guy I feel like I watched run the ball like that was David Montgomery,” Campbell said. “I just think he has the passion that allows him to play football… He’s dynamic in terms of his ability to run away from you, but also that incredible electric power that goes through you.”

Skattebo has rushed for 147 yards or more in six of the Sun Devils’ 12 games this season.

Against Mississippi State, he finished with a season-high 262 yards, all without his 13.4 yards per catch average.

“Any time you see a guy play the game of football the way it should be played, man, you just have the utmost respect for him,” Campbell said. “He’s just a really impressive football player. I think everyone in our program, like I said, has the utmost respect for his abilities, not just as a runner but as a pass catcher, and what he can do in space. It’s really great to see and it will be a big challenge for us.”

Posing with Skattebo is Arizona State Sam Leavitt at the quarterback position.

The redshirt freshman burst onto the college football scene, throwing for 2,444 yards with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions in his second year on the field.

“And then you know, you have championship-level quarterback play,” Campbell said. “And I think (Arizona State) understands that. I mean, I was just so impressed with his ability to control the offense and really put the offense in really advantageous situations to be successful. (It will) definitely be a big challenge for us defensively.”

Campbell is familiar with the Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham, who came to Ames to study the program while he was offensive coordinator at Auburn.

“Kenny is obviously a dynamic young football coach and there has been a close relationship with him throughout his coaching career and continued advancement,” Campbell said. “I’m really happy for him. To be honest, they did a great job. He and his employees have a lot to be proud of. He also has some great football coaches on his team that we have really good relationships with.”

The coaching pair will compete for the Big 12 Conference championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff on Saturday, just five years after Dillingham’s visit to Ames.

“But from my perspective, there’s just a lot of respect for him and what he’s accomplished as a young head football coach,” Campbell said. “When you’re in the same shoes not so long ago, you feel appreciation for someone. And you can tell by the spirit with which his football team plays that they believe in their head coach and their coaching staff.”