Arizona State Coach Kenny Dillingham Makes Seeding Case to CFP Committee
In a season full of unexpected twists and turns, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has emerged as one of the boldest voices advocating for his team’s place in the national spotlight. With the College Football Playoff (CFP) Committee set to finalize its rankings soon, Dillingham is making a compelling case for the Sun Devils to secure a higher seeding.
A Resurgent Program Under Dillingham
Arizona State has undergone a remarkable transformation since Dillingham took the helm. Known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to connect with players, Dillingham has revived the Sun Devils, who finished the regular season with an impressive record against a challenging Pac-12 schedule. Arizona State also boasts marquee wins over highly ranked opponents, showcasing their capability to perform on the biggest stages.
“We’ve proven time and again this season that we can compete with and beat the best,” Dillingham said during a press conference. “This isn’t just about our record. It’s about the quality of our wins, our resilience, and our ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.”
Strength of Schedule and Signature Wins
Dillingham’s argument is rooted in the team’s strength of schedule. Arizona State faced one of the toughest slates in the nation, taking on perennial powerhouses like Oregon and USC while navigating a conference loaded with talent. The Sun Devils emerged victorious in key matchups, including a dramatic overtime win against Washington and a dominant performance against Utah.
“These aren’t just good teams we’re beating; they’re teams in the CFP conversation themselves,” Dillingham noted. “We deserve to be evaluated not just on our wins but on the quality of our opponents and the way we’ve risen to the occasion.”
The Case for Higher Seeding
While the CFP rankings traditionally reward undefeated or one-loss teams from powerhouse conferences, Dillingham believes the committee should place greater emphasis on context. He argues that Arizona State’s ability to perform in high-pressure games and its upward trajectory make the team a dangerous contender in the playoff.
“Our team is peaking at the right time,” Dillingham said. “If the goal is to crown the best team in the nation, then the seeding process should reflect who’s playing the best football right now, not just who had a perfect season on paper.”
Dillingham also highlighted his team’s balanced approach, pointing to a defense that has held opponents to low scoring averages and an offense ranked among the nation’s most explosive. This combination, he argued, makes Arizona State a legitimate threat to any playoff opponent.
Challenges and Controversy
Despite Dillingham’s confidence, the Sun Devils face an uphill battle. With multiple teams boasting strong cases for inclusion and seeding, Arizona State’s two losses earlier in the season could weigh heavily against them. Critics argue that the CFP committee has historically favored teams with fewer blemishes on their records, even if those teams lack the same strength of schedule.
Nonetheless, Dillingham is undeterred. “We’re not asking for charity; we’re asking for fairness,” he said. “This team has earned its place among the best, and we’re ready to prove it on the field.”
Conclusion
As the CFP Committee deliberates its final rankings, Kenny Dillingham’s passionate advocacy for Arizona State serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of college football’s playoff system. Whether his case will sway the committee remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Sun Devils are ready to make some noise, regardless of where they’re seeded.
For Arizona State fans and college football enthusiasts alike, the next few days promise to be filled with anticipation and debate.
