In August, not many people other than die-hard college football fans knew the name “Kenny Dillingham.” That’s no longer true after head coach Ken Dillingham led his Arizona State Sun Devils to the Big 12 title and the College Football Playoff with their 45-19 victory over Iowa State on Saturday afternoon.

It capped one of the most astonishing turnarounds in sports. The Sun Devils were picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason media poll. No worries. They came together like the Cleveland Indians Major League and have made it their goal to win the whole Effin thing.

Kenny Dillingham celebrates as Arizona St. wins Big 12 championship. Mandatory attribution: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Can they do it? That’s a little aggressive. However, they will offer their first round opponent a completely fit opponent – and a potential second round opponent too.

Dillingham is a big reason why. The 34-year-old, the youngest FBS coach in the country, is letting it all hang out and isn’t afraid to take risks — like he did in the first quarter on a fourth-and-1 from his own 34. Quarterback Sam Leavitt let Melquan Stovall pushed deep down the field for a 63-yard gain that led to a touchdown and a lead they never relinquished.

They’ve played like this all year, making them the biggest wild card in the CFP mix.

Oh, and they have the skills that all championship teams have – especially at running back in Cam Skattebo.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder, who runs like he’s a cannonball with knives, struck the Heisman pose after one of his two touchdown runs, sending a message to the world that this team has the line of scrimmage with the can be mastered by the best in sport.

Will Skattebo’s 108-yard, three-touchdown performance earn him a trip to New York City as a finalist for college football’s most prestigious individual award? It might be too little, too late, as Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has done that all year. Additionally, we received our ballots last week and some voters could have already mailed them in (those who did should have their vote revoked).

They will likely face the loser of the SEC Championship Game or Notre Dame in the first game of the CFP. It will be a tough battle for Dillingham’s team, no matter who the opponent is. However, one thing is certain. The Sun Devils are not an “easy exit.” The combination of a ferocious attack and a coach who lets everything go has made them one of the most difficult teams in the country to prepare for.