Arizona State’s college football season, the Sun Devils, known as one of the most unpredictable teams in the Pac-12, could’ve found themselves in a bowl game this December. Despite a rocky start and the challenges they faced under first-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils had a chance to be a bowl-fill-in team after the regular season ended. However, Arizona State ultimately decided to pull themselves out of the running, citing a number of factors that led to the decision.
Arizona State’s path to bowl eligibility was not an easy one. With a 6-6 overall record, they were considered one of the teams on the bubble for bowl contention. The Sun Devils had a rollercoaster season that included significant wins but also painful losses. Despite this, with multiple bowl games failing to fill all of their available spots due to a host of qualifying teams opting out or underperforming, Arizona State found itself among the last teams in contention for a bowl invitation.
But instead of eagerly accepting a postseason berth, the Sun Devils surprised many when they chose to withdraw from the pool of potential teams. According to reports from ASU Athletics and head coach Dillingham, the team’s decision was a matter of prioritizing their long-term vision over a short-term bowl appearance.
Coach Dillingham addressed the reasoning behind this decision, emphasizing the importance of player health, development, and avoiding the potential for additional injuries. The Sun Devils had dealt with a number of injuries throughout the season, particularly in key positions like quarterback and the defensive line. With several of their players still recovering, Dillingham and his coaching staff felt it was in the best interest of the program to focus on the off-season and continue to build momentum for next year.
Another critical factor in Arizona State’s decision was their desire to prepare for the future. The Sun Devils are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, with Dillingham focused on laying the foundation for a competitive program in the coming seasons. This means ensuring that the team’s key players are ready for a full and healthy 2024 season, rather than stretching them thin in a bowl game that, while a potential opportunity for exposure, would not necessarily benefit their long-term goals.
In the end, while many expected Arizona State to jump at the chance to participate in a bowl game, the team’s decision shows a level of maturity and foresight that fans hope will pay off in future years. While their season might not have ended with a bowl appearance, the Sun Devils are clearly thinking beyond the immediate rewards of a postseason game, focusing on building a strong foundation for years to come.
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