Arizona State football has a shot at the Fiesta Bowl provided they win the Big 12 Championship against Iowa State. If successful, ASU could qualify for the College Football Playoff and would be its first Fiesta Bowl appearance since 1982. Fiesta Bowl executive director Erik Moses was excited about the potential return and noted ASU’s crucial role in establishing the bowl. However, ASU faces competition from Boise State, which is currently ranked higher, which could impact its playoff position.

Through the numbers

• Arizona State is ranked 15th and faces ranked teams like Iowa State (16) and Boise State (10).
• The Fiesta Bowl is a quarterfinal game in the first expanded, twelve-team College Football Playoff.

state of affairs

• ASU must beat Iowa State to keep its playoff hopes alive.
• The outcome of the Boise State vs. UNLV Mountain West Championship could have a significant impact on ASU’s seeding.

What’s next?

If ASU wins and Boise State loses, their chances of getting a bye week in the playoffs could improve. However, if both rankings remain intact, ASU may have to face a higher-ranked opponent in a first-round game.

Conclusion

The possibility of Arizona State participating in the Fiesta Bowl not only underscores its resurgence under coach Kenny Dillingham, but also underscores the historic significance of ASU’s involvement in the bowl’s creation, potentially revitalizing local support and economic activity.