In an unprecedented turn of events, Arizona State University (ASU), long considered an underdog in the college football world, has made an unexpected and controversial charge to the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP). This remarkable feat, which no one could have foreseen at the beginning of the season, has left fans and analysts alike questioning the legitimacy of their playoff spot. While teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State are frequently discussed in playoff conversations, Arizona State’s surprising rise has raised eyebrows across the nation. As they prepare for their next opponent, the stakes couldn’t be higher — for both the Sun Devils and the entire CFP selection process.

A Rocky Start Leads to a Shocking Comeback

The 2024 season started with a rocky foundation for Arizona State, which entered the year with questions surrounding their coaching staff and roster. The Sun Devils had been a middle-of-the-pack team in the Pac-12 for years, and after a tough start to the season, many speculated that it was just another rebuilding year for the program. But what followed was an unexpected surge.

By the midpoint of the season, Arizona State had started stringing together impressive wins, overcoming early-season losses to teams like USC and Utah. Their offensive line, once a weak point, had become a force to be reckoned with, protecting quarterback Jaden Rashada and giving him the time he needed to make game-changing throws. With head coach Kenny Dillingham at the helm, the Sun Devils’ aggressive approach on both sides of the ball became their trademark.

The turning point came when they managed to beat perennial Pac-12 powerhouse Oregon in a game that many thought would crush ASU’s playoff hopes. But instead of faltering under pressure, the Sun Devils delivered a masterful performance, with Rashada throwing for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, while the defense picked off Oregon’s Heisman-candidate quarterback twice. This victory sparked a chain reaction, as Arizona State began to rattle off win after win, including key victories over Washington and rival Arizona.

The Sun Devils’ meteoric rise raised a central question: Is Arizona State’s success legitimate, or is it the result of a fluke season? Critics argue that ASU’s schedule was favorable, while others believe they’ve simply overperformed in a volatile Pac-12 season. Whatever the case, their playoff berth was earned, and Arizona State now stands on the precipice of college football’s biggest stage.

Who Will Arizona State Face in the 2024 Playoff?

With Arizona State’s spot secured in the 2024 College Football Playoff, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who will they face next? As of now, ASU is slated to face off against the number-one ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the first round of the playoff.

The matchup has stirred up significant controversy. While Georgia has been a powerhouse in college football for the past few years, dominating their conference and regularly producing NFL-level talent, Arizona State’s presence in the playoff has left many fans scratching their heads. How could a team that had been far from dominant for most of the season now be standing toe-to-toe with the defending national champions?

The Georgia-Arizona State matchup will feature stark contrasts in style: the Bulldogs’ imposing, run-heavy attack versus ASU’s up-tempo, pass-first offense. Georgia’s defense is known for suffocating opponents and wearing them down over four quarters, while Arizona State will need to rely on Rashada’s arm and the quick decision-making of their offensive line to keep pace with the Bulldogs.

This game will be a test of Arizona State’s resilience. Many pundits believe that ASU will be overmatched against a team as well-coached and disciplined as Georgia. But don’t count out the Sun Devils just yet — they’ve defied expectations all season long.

What’s at Stake for Arizona State?

Arizona State’s playoff berth is monumental, not just for the school but for the entire Pac-12 conference. The Sun Devils’ unexpected success has drawn national attention to a conference that is often overshadowed by the SEC and Big Ten. If ASU can somehow pull off an upset against Georgia, it would not only solidify the Sun Devils as a rising force in college football, but it would also put the Pac-12 on the map as a legitimate contender for national championships in the future.

For the Sun Devils, this playoff appearance could also serve as a springboard for further success in recruiting. The program has long struggled to keep up with elite schools in the recruiting wars, but a successful playoff run would provide ASU with the kind of national exposure that could help them land top-tier talent in the coming years.

Additionally, there are questions surrounding the future of head coach Kenny Dillingham. If Dillingham can lead ASU to an upset victory over Georgia and continue the Sun Devils’ improbable run, his stock will rise exponentially, with bigger programs likely taking an interest. The pressure will be immense for Dillingham, but if he handles it well, it could launch his career to new heights.

The Bigger Picture: Is the CFP Truly Fair?

While Arizona State’s playoff berth is a testament to their resilience and success, it also raises a larger issue about the College Football Playoff system itself. Critics have long argued that the CFP committee’s rankings are subjective and inconsistent. The Sun Devils’ inclusion in the playoff, despite an underwhelming early-season performance and the perceived weakness of their schedule, casts doubt on the selection process.

Could this be a case of media-driven hype, or is there something deeper at play? Arizona State’s ascent challenges the notion that only the top programs deserve a chance at a national title. If they can compete with the elite teams in the playoff, it will force a reconsideration of the selection process and whether it’s truly a fair representation of the best teams in the country.

Conclusion

Arizona State’s surprising rise to the 2024 College Football Playoff has shaken up the college football world. As they prepare to face Georgia, the Sun Devils’ underdog story is one that could either be written as a fairy tale or as a cautionary tale about the flaws of the current playoff system. Regardless of the outcome, Arizona State’s place in the playoff has already made its mark, but the real test will come when they step onto the field against the Bulldogs. Only time will tell if they are truly ready to claim their place among college football’s elite.