Arizona State, Iowa State Secure Big 12 Championship Spot
In a stunning turn of events, Coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes have been excluded from the Big 12 Championship game despite finishing the regular season in a four-way tie for first place in the conference. The Buffs’ hopes were dashed due to losses against Kansas and Kansas State earlier in the season, leading to their elimination based on Big 12 tiebreaker rules.
Arizona State and Iowa State emerged as the contenders to play for the Big 12 football championship on December 7 in Arlington, Texas, after finishing the regular season tied for first place with Colorado and BYU. The selection of Arizona State and Iowa State was determined by league tiebreaker rules emphasizing records against common Big 12 opponents and strength of schedule in league play.
Deciphering the Tiebreaker Rules
The intricate tiebreaker rules came into play as none of the first-place teams had faced each other during the regular season. With four common Big 12 opponents among them – Kansas, Kansas State, Utah, and Central Florida – Arizona State held a clear advantage with a 4-0 record against these teams. Meanwhile, BYU and Iowa State stood at 3-1, and Colorado trailed at 2-2 after losses to Kansas and Kansas State.
Despite Colorado’s impressive 9-3 overall finish, their chances were thwarted by the tiebreaker criteria, ultimately favoring Arizona State and Iowa State based on their performances against common opponents and strength of schedule. The nail-biting finish to the regular season left fans on the edge of their seats as the championship picture unfolded.
It was a rollercoaster ride for Colorado, with hopes pinned on other first-place teams losing to secure a spot in the championship game. Their fate hung in the balance until the final moments of the regular season, emphasizing the unpredictability and intensity of college football in the Big 12.
The quest for the Big 12 championship continues with Arizona State and Iowa State gearing up to face off on December 7 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The stakes are high, with the winner likely earning a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff, setting the stage for an intense battle on the gridiron.
As the dust settles on the regular season, Colorado’s focus now shifts to bowl game possibilities, with the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio on December 28 looming as a potential destination. The Buffaloes’ journey this season has been one of growth and resilience, overcoming challenges to emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive landscape of college football.
In the end, the Big 12 Championship saga serves as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of sports, where every play, every decision, and every outcome can shape the destiny of teams vying for glory on the field.
