ATLANTA — Former Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo still replays moments from his last college game, appearing on The Roommates Show to talk about his final outing as a Sun Devil. Now a New York Giant, Skattebo reflected on the Peach Bowl showdown against Texas, a double-overtime loss.
ATLANTA — Former Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo still replays moments from his last college game, appearing on The Roommates Show to talk about his final outing as a Sun Devil.
Now a New York Giant, Skattebo reflected on the Peach Bowl showdown against Texas, a double-overtime loss. He said the game hinged on a series of pivotal plays and non-calls that continue to stand out for him.
Arizona State players take the field for warm-ups before playing against Texas in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan 1, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The former Sun Devil’s frustration was palpable as he described the sequences.
Texas attempted a deep pass on 4th-and-13, one that Skattebo says wasn’t caught and should have sealed the win for the Sun Devils on a turnover on downs.
“The dude drops the ball, never had possession of it, rolls over, puts it in his lap,” he said. “They called it a touchdown. Didn’t review it, nothing.”
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) runs against Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald (25) during the third quarter of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Jan. 1, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
One of the most controversial calls in the game came in the fourth quarter, when both teams were all tied up. Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe made helmet-to-helmet contact on ASU receiver Melquan Stovall after a 10-yard catch on 3rd-and-15. Referee Larry Smith reviewed the play but upheld the initial ruling of no targeting, forcing Arizona State to punt.
“There was like a targeting or something that should have got called that they didn’t call,” Skattebo said. “That would have gave us another first down late in the game.”
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) throws under pressure by Texas linebacker Colin Simmons (11) during the first quarter of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The game eventually went into double overtime, where the Longhorns scored first, putting the pressure squarely on Arizona State. The Sun Devils couldn’t respond, ending their magical 2024 season.
Skattebo’s frustration isn’t unique to him. His comments have reignited the conversation on social media as Sun Devil fans also reflect on the frustrating loss.
Painful what-ifs linger, especially in a game defined by inches, judgment calls, and missed opportunities in the College Football Playoffs. Skattebo reflects on his last game with heartbreak, recognizing that ending his collegiate career this way carries immense emotional weight.
“I hate making excuses, but there’s some things that could have been changed for sure to take a win there.”
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Category: General Sports
