Arizona State Remains Atop big 12 in First Power Rankings of the season
Tempe, AZ – Arizona State University (ASU) begins the 2024 football season exactly where it left off: at the summit of the Big 12 Conference. The defending champions hold the No. 1 spot in the first official Big 12 power rankings, securing 11 of 16 first-place votes from a panel of media covering the conference.
The rankings, released today, reflect a strong start for the Sun Devils, who defeated Northern Arizona 38-19 in thier season opener. However, Head Coach Kenny Dillingham will be looking to clean up discipline, as the team racked up a season-high 12 penalties for 93 yards – including a costly flag that negated a 75-yard touchdown.
“the dynamic duo of quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson lived up to their billing,” reports Michelle Gardner of the Arizona Republic. “The biggest issue for the Sun Devils were the 12 penalties… the most penalties called in a game in the Kenny Dillingham tenure.”
big 12 Power Rankings – Week 1
1. Arizona State (Points: 246, First-Place Votes: 11)
record: 1-0
Last Week: Defeated Northern Arizona 38-19
This Week: at Mississippi State
Fun Fact: The Sun Devils boast a remarkable 26-game winning streak in home openers, second only to Illinois (28) nationally.
2. Iowa State (Points: 253, First-Place Votes: 4)
Record: 2-0 (1-0 Big 12)
Last Week: Defeated South Dakota 55-7
This Week: vs. Iowa
Key Stat: Cyclone quarterback Rocco Becht achieved a school record 95% completion percentage (19 of 20) against South dakota, with 13 completions going to tight ends for all three touchdowns.
3. Texas Tech (Points: 225)
Record: 1-0
Last Week: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67-7
This Week: vs.Kent State
Injury Concern: The Red Raiders are dealing with quarterback injuries, with starter Behren Morton nursing a leg issue after briefly playing against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
4. Utah (Points: 207)
Record: 1-0
Last Week: Defeated UCLA 43-10
This Week: vs.Cal Poly
Offensive Surge: Utah’s offense, previously ranked second-to-last in the Big 12, exploded for 43 points in their season opener, led by quarterback devon Dampier. His performance drew comparisons to Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray from USC Heisman winner matt Leinart.
TCU rounded out the top contenders, receiving one first-place vote after a convincing win over North Carolina.
The Big
