ATLANTA — As Arizona State gears up for a significant showdown, their players express little surprise at being labeled as a two-touchdown underdog in the College Football Playoff. This underdog status is something they are all too familiar with.


“We’ve been the underdog all year,” stated offensive lineman Leif Fautanu. “That’s kind of what’s been fueling us.”


Among the eight teams still in contention for the national title, none have surprised as much as Arizona State (11-2), who is set to face a formidable Texas team (12-2) in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal on New Year’s Day.


Last season was tumultuous for the Sun Devils, concluding with a 3-9 record in Kenny Dillingham’s debut season marred by injuries. Expectations were low for this year as experts predicted they would finish at the bottom of the list after moving from the declining Pac-12 to the newly expanded 16-team Big 12 Conference.


Now, they find themselves in an unexpected and prestigious position.


“We feel like the whole team has been an underdog their entire lives,” said defensive back Shamari Simmons. “When you gather so many underdogs, everyone is driven to prove the doubters wrong.”


The Sun Devils’ ascent went largely unnoticed until they broke into the CFP Top 25 following a significant win against Kansas State in mid-November. They solidified their place with a remarkable victory over BYU, a team that was previously considered a front-runner in the Big 12. After securing a tie atop the conference standings, they advanced to the Big 12 Championship Game against Iowa State, benefiting from a complex tiebreaker scenario.


In a defining moment, Arizona State seized their opportunity in the playoffs, delivering a stunning 45-19 victory, marking their strongest performance of the season.


“We are talented,” receiver Xavier Guillory asserted confidently. “We’re here for a reason.”


The Sun Devils have been largely sidelined in college football discussions since the mid-1990s. Their last major bowl appearance was during the 1996 season, which saw them clinch the Pac-10 title and head to the Rose Bowl with aspirations for a national championship. However, they surrendered those dreams when Ohio State overturned their lead for a 20-17 win in the dying moments.


Since that time, Arizona State has struggled to remain relevant, cycling through numerous coaches, logging only 13 winning seasons over 27 years, and dealing with a harsh NCAA investigation concerning violations during the COVID-19 pandemic.


This current squad has the chance to defy the odds and potentially create significant buzz by winning three more games.


“It would be awesome for all of college football,” Guillory shared, filled with excitement. “We’re ready for the opportunity. We’re not satisfied. This team isn’t thinking, ‘We just won the Big 12 championship, let’s relax and see what happens now.’”


Dillingham began his tenure in Tempe at age 32, quickly realizing the scale of the rebuilding efforts required. Last year’s team only managed two wins against FBS opponents and suffered devastating losses at the end of the Pac-12 season, with average margins reaching an alarming 41 points.


However, a transformational mindset took root as returning players prepared for a new season.


“During summer practices, the sessions were very player-led. If someone wanted to skip reps or cut corners, they were called out,” Guillory recollected.


Encouraging a more positive environment, Dillingham challenged his leaders to take charge, particularly highlighting running back Cam Skattebo, who acknowledged the need to improve his attitude and leadership.


“I had to change my attitude, my approach, and my leadership style,” Skattebo admitted. “I learned that adopting a positive mindset and speaking positively to others is crucial for success.”


Skattebo embodies Arizona State’s dramatic turnaround; the 5-foot-10, 225-pound running back started his collegiate journey with Sacramento State before transferring to Arizona State before the 2023 season.


He showed glimpses of excellence last season but has since delivered one of the finest performances in the school’s history, rushing for 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns alongside 37 receptions for 506 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing 2,000 scrimmage yards.


Boasting confidence, Skattebo has repeatedly claimed to be the best running back in college football and expressed disappointment at finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting, narrowly missing an invite to the award ceremony.


“I’m performing in one of the country’s premier conferences at the highest level,” he argued. “I strive to be the best, and maintaining that mindset opens endless possibilities.”


Arizona State previously flourished under the leadership of Frank Kush, who led the Sun Devils to two flawless seasons and the No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press in 1975, marking their peak in football history.


“He’s prominently featured throughout our facilities,” said Dillingham. “His influence is a significant part of our program’s history and its current direction.”


Despite Kush’s harsh coaching methods leading to controversy, Dillingham focuses on the positive impact he had on players’ lives.


“The resilience he instilled in his teams enriched everyone he coached,” Dillingham noted. “His players developed into better individuals because of the challenges he presented.”


Dillingham aspires to make a meaningful impact similar to that of his predecessors.


“In 10, 15, or 20 years, I hope my players reflect on their time with my staff and recognize how we influenced their lives beyond the game of football,” he expressed.


For now, the Sun Devils remain laser-focused on their astonishing journey toward a potential national championship.


“We want it all,” stated Guillory. “We’re aiming for the peak. We didn’t endure this to stop short.”