The Story
The 2024 Big 12 football season has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with teams battling not just for wins, but for a chance to play for the conference championship. Heading into the final stretch of the season, the race had already been tight, but late developments have dramatically altered the landscape. With BYU and Colorado both winning their respective games last night, their championship aspirations were dashed in what has turned into a thrilling race to the finish line.
Despite securing a commanding 30-18 victory over Houston, BYU found their path to the title blocked when Iowa State pulled off a crucial 24-21 upset over Kansas State. This victory left the Cyclones in a favorable position, as BYU, along with Arizona State and Colorado, was now tied for second place. Unfortunately for the Cougars, the tiebreaker scenarios didn’t favor them, and their hopes of a championship were officially extinguished. BYU’s strong season, which included several impressive victories, will now shift focus toward bowl game preparation after a hard-fought 9-3 record.
Colorado, too, saw their championship dreams fade, despite finishing the regular season with an admirable 9-3 record of their own. The Buffaloes entered the final stretch with a chance to claim the title, but they needed help from other results that ultimately didn’t materialize. Even with a solid season under their belts, Colorado’s lack of head-to-head tiebreakers and the inability to rely on outside results meant that they too would fall just short of the championship game. Their 9-3 campaign remains a testament to their growth and resilience, but now they, like BYU, will focus their attention on bowl season.
The Championship Showdown: Arizona State vs. Iowa State
With BYU and Colorado out of the picture, the stage is now set for a thrilling Big 12 Championship game between Arizona State and Iowa State. The Sun Devils, with a record of 10-2, have had one of the most consistent seasons in the conference, showcasing an offense that has been both explosive and balanced, while their defense has stepped up in critical moments. Arizona State has shown poise under pressure, and their resilience has earned them a shot at the title.
Iowa State, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the surprise stories of the season. Head coach Matt Campbell has continued to build a competitive team in Ames, with a defense that has been one of the toughest in the Big 12. The Cyclones’ gritty 24-21 win over Kansas State was a statement of their determination and ability to deliver when the stakes are highest. Iowa State’s solid 9-3 record, marked by strong wins over key rivals, has earned them a shot at their first-ever Big 12 Championship.
The two teams will meet on December 7, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what promises to be a high-stakes, high-intensity game that will captivate fans across the country. Arizona State’s offensive firepower will square off against Iowa State’s tenacious defense, making this matchup a fascinating clash of styles. The stakes are incredibly high, as both teams are eager to cap off their impressive seasons with a conference title.
A Strong Year for BYU and Colorado, Despite Missing the Championship Game
While BYU and Colorado are out of the title hunt, their seasons have been anything but disappointing. Both programs have demonstrated significant growth and resilience, and their 9-3 records speak volumes about their competitiveness in the Big 12.
For BYU, the season was a statement of their readiness to compete in a power conference. The Cougars, led by a dynamic offense, were a force to be reckoned with throughout the year. Their victory over Houston, though it came too late for a title push, was another example of the talent they’ve built in just a few seasons as a member of the Big 12. As they shift their focus to a potential bowl bid, BYU’s strong 2024 campaign serves as a promising foundation for years to come.
Colorado, under head coach Deion Sanders (and the record setting quarterback-receiver-DB combo of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter), also exceeded expectations. In his second season at the helm, Sanders helped turn the Buffaloes into a formidable opponent in the Big 12. Their 9-3 record, bolstered by thrilling victories and a relentless work ethic, showcased the progress the program has made. Though the Buffaloes will not play for the championship this year, their future in the conference looks bright, and a postseason bowl appearance will give them a chance to cap off an impressive season.
Ahead
Arizona State and Iowa State will prepare for the biggest game of their respective seasons, and the drama of the 2024 Big 12 Championship race has already captivated fans across the conference. With both teams boasting excellent records, their meeting on December 7 promises to be an exciting, edge-of-your-seat contest that will not only determine the conference champion but also set the tone for future seasons in the Big 12.
For BYU and Colorado, the season may have ended short of a title and perhaps a much desired CFP playoff run, but their strong performances have set the stage for bowl games that will provide another chance to shine. Whether they’re vying for a New Year’s Six bid or preparing for a more traditional bowl matchup, both teams have much to be proud of.
With the championship game just around the corner, the 2024 Big 12 football season has proven to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory. Fans from across the conference will be glued to their screens as Arizona State and Iowa State battle for supremacy, while BYU and Colorado reflect on what was a memorable and successful year.