College Football Playoff, bowl game projections: ESPN has ASU facing Alabama in 1st round of CFP
ESPN projects Arizona State to face Alabama in the first round of the 2025 College Football Playoff.
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As ASU football nears its first game of the 2025 college football season, the Sun Devils head into uncharted territories compared to a year ago.
After winning the Big 12 Championship and reaching the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff last season, the Sun Devils will play with high expectations placed upon the program for the first time in the Kenny Dillingham-era.
Despite losing Cam Skattebo to the NFL, ASU is set up nicely in 2025 with several starters returning on offense and defense, including quarterback Sam Leavitt, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, tight end Chamon Metayer, cornerbacks Keith Abney II and Javan Robinson and defensive lineman C.J. Fite.
The Sun Devils also made several key additions through the transfer portal this offseason, including running back Kanye Udoh, receivers Jalen Moss and Jaren Hamilton, offensive lineman Xander Ruggeroli and corners Kyndrich Breedlove and Nyland Green.
ASU will be battle-tested with several key conference matchups on their schedule, including games against Baylor, Utah, Texas Tech and Iowa State.
With expectations much higher for the Sun Devils this season, especially after being ranked No. 11 in The Associated Press top 25 poll, here’s a look at where ASU is projected to play in the 2025 college football playoff postseason.
Which playoff, bowl games are ASU projected to play in?
ESPN: First round playoff matchup at Alabama
CBS Sports: Alamo Bowl vs. BYU
247 Sports: Las Vegas Bowl vs. Nebraska
Athlon Sports: Las Vegas Bowl vs. Illinois
Pro Football Network: Alamo Bowl vs. BYU
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Comments
3 Comments
But EsecPN has of losing to Alabama, of course. Not gonna happen and I’m not even sure Alabama will even make the CFP, just as I’m not sure ASU will make it again. But if ASU does, that would tell me that the Devils aren’t going to be an easy out like EsecPN seems to think!
Remember . . . No one likes premature contemplation . . . I kid, I kid. It was ONE season, and a magic one at that. Dilly-Dilly has the opportunity to build on the foundation of last year, and get the program back to Kush, Cooper, Snyder, BUT they're not there yet. The pressure is on, the hunters have become the hunted, and teams are circling their calendars to make a statement. Game #2 is going to be their first big challenge, and even IF this team loses 3 (maybe) 4 games, it's still an awesome year, and something to keep building on. They have two FOR SURE "W's" on their schedule . . . The 1st game of the season, and the last.
I don't see the Devils making the CFP again this season simply because they have the crosshairs on them from the likes of Baylor, TX Tech, Utah and ISU (who in particular has a bone to pick with ASU for the conference chip game blowout). I'm sure they will be good and make a bowl game but win the conference? I'm doubtful but also hope I'm wrong.