In one of the most heroic individual performances in college football history, Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo nearly willed his team to an improbable comeback victory against Texas in the Peach Bowl. Despite battling illness and vomiting on the sidelines, Skattebo put the Sun Devils on his back with a stat line for the ages.
The Cam Skattebo Show: A Heroic Effort in Defeat
When the fourth quarter began, Arizona State trailed Texas 24-8 with little hope of a comeback. Then Cam Skattebo took over, reminding everyone why he’s an elite talent. Despite vomiting profusely on the sideline earlier, the star running back almost single-handedly powered an incredible rally, gashing the Longhorns’ defense in every way imaginable. His final stat line was simply jaw-dropping.
Battling Illness, Skattebo Powers Improbable Comeback
Skattebo was a one-man wrecking crew, accounting for 56% of Arizona State’s total offense while playing through obvious fatigue and illness. The ESPN broadcast showed him vomiting profusely on the sidelines, leaving his status for the rest of the game in doubt. But the warrior running back refused to stay down, checking back into the game to lead an epic 16-0 run to force overtime.
A Stat Line for the Ages
Skattebo’s final numbers were simply mind-boggling: 30 carries for 143 yards and 2 TDs, 8 catches for 88 yards, and a 42-yard touchdown pass. He became the first player in College Football Playoff history with 100+ rushing yards and 80+ receiving yards in the same game. And he’s the first player since at least 2000 with 100+ rushing yards, 80+ receiving yards, 2 rushing TDs and 1 passing TD all in one epic performance.
The Anatomy of a Near-Miracle
Down 24-8 entering the fourth, Skattebo jump-started the comeback with a 42-yard touchdown strike on 4th down. He then scored from 2 yards out and converted the game-tying 2-point play. In overtime, he gave Arizona State its only lead at 31-24 on another short TD run. But was his herculean effort enough to complete the improbable comeback?
Skattebo’s Heroics Delay the Inevitable
As miraculous as Skattebo’s performance was, Texas ultimately proved too much, scoring the final 15 points to escape with a 39-31 win in double OT. Still, Skattebo’s valiant effort will go down in history, setting new Arizona State season records for rushing yards (1,711) and rushing TDs (21) in the process. His refusal to quit made for an instant classic.
Records Shattered, Legacy Cemented
In a losing effort, Cam Skattebo etched his name into the record books with a performance for the ages. He set new single-season Arizona State marks for rushing yards and touchdowns while becoming the first player in College Football Playoff history to eclipse 100 yards rushing and 80 yards receiving in the same game. A legend was born.
A Valiant Fight Cut Short
Despite Skattebo’s heroics, the Sun Devils ultimately came up just short against Texas in a 39-31 double overtime thriller. But the running back’s determination in the face of illness and fatigue made this an instant classic. While the loss was heartbreaking, Skattebo’s records and unforgettable effort will echo through Arizona State lore forever.
The Peach Bowl Thriller: When Greatness Wasn’t Enough
Cam Skattebo put forth one of the greatest individual performances in recent college football history in the Peach Bowl. But even his superhuman 273 total yards and 4 touchdowns couldn’t lead Arizona State past Texas in the end. It was a valiant effort that will be remembered for years to come, even if the Sun Devils came up just short of the improbable comeback win.
