Football Daily

The Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference for 14 universities in the central and southern United States. It's one of the five Power Five conferences, which are the most athletically prestigious and revenue-generating conferences in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

The Big 12 was founded in 1994 with eight members from the former Big Eight Conference and four from the former Southwest Conference.

Since then, it has expanded to its current 14 members, with the most recent additions being UCF, BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston in 2023.

For 2024 Arizona, Arizona State, Utah ares set to enter the league.

Near Tempe, Arizona, is the successful football program of Arizona State University. The team has made the students, faculty, alums, and fans proud to support them at home and away games. ASU has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even the post-season bowl games.

On the following pages, we will cover aspects of the team, which may include the Program's Origin, the Biggest Games in School History, the Program's Top Players, the Most Significant Coaches, the Program's Logo and Mascot History, the team's Helmet Designs Over Time, and so much more.

Move forward into the school's Gridiron history on this page!

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The Arizona State University Sun Devils football program boasts a rich history, spanning over a century of competition. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a Pac-12 contender, the program has seen periods of both triumph and adversity, carving its own unique path in college football lore.

Early Years and Establishing a Foundation (1897-1957):

The program's origins can be traced back to 1897, when the Tempe Normal School (predecessor to ASU) fielded its first team.
These early years were characterized by limited resources and competition against regional opponents.
Despite the challenges, notable figures like coach Frank Kush laid the groundwork for future success.
The Frank Kush Era and National Recognition (1958-1979):

This era marks the golden age of ASU football. Under the leadership of legendary coach Frank Kush, the Sun Devils transformed into a national powerhouse.
Kush's innovative coaching style and emphasis on discipline led to 14 conference titles and three Top-10 finishes in the AP Poll.
The Sun Devils defeated ranked opponents like Ohio State and Nebraska, achieving national recognition and establishing their place among college football's elite.
Darryl Rogers Era and Transition (1980-1984):

The departure of Frank Kush ushered in a period of transition. While the program continued to win conference titles under coach Darryl Rogers, it struggled to maintain its national standing.
This era saw the introduction of Sparky the Sun Devil as the official mascot, further solidifying the program's identity.
The John Cooper Era and Renewed Success (1985-1987):

Coach John Cooper's arrival in 1985 marked another period of success. The Sun Devils won two conference titles and earned national recognition with victories over ranked opponents like Oklahoma.
This era also saw the emergence of iconic players like Jake Plummer and Pat Tillman, further cementing the program's legacy.
Joining the Pac-10 and Facing New Challenges (1988-Present):

The Sun Devils' move to the Pac-10 Conference in 1978 presented new challenges and opportunities.
While competing against established programs like USC and UCLA, the Sun Devils continued to achieve success, winning conference titles and making bowl appearances.
The program faced periods of inconsistency and coaching changes but remained competitive within the Pac-10, later renamed the Pac-12.
Recent Developments and the Future (2019-Present):

The Sun Devils' recent history has been marked by leadership transitions and an ongoing pursuit of consistency.
The program has shown promising signs under coach Kenny Dillingham, including an exciting victory over Oklahoma State in 2023.
As the Sun Devils continue to navigate the competitive Pac-12 landscape and move to the Big 12 in 2024, they remain committed to achieving sustained success and building upon their legacy.

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The Arizona Wildcats football program, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, boasts a long and intriguing history. While not always boasting national championships, their journey is packed with moments of triumph, rivalry, and the unyielding spirit of the Wildcat faithful. Let's take a trek through their gridiron odyssey:


Early Days and Identity Formation (1899-1940s):

-The program started in 1899, initially known as the "Varsity," before adopting the iconic "Wildcats" nickname in 1914.

-These early years were marked by inconsistency and regional rivalries, with glimpses of promise but no sustained success.


The Desert Swarm Defense and National Recognition (1950s-1990s):

-Under legendary coach Dick Tomey in the 1980s and 90s, the Wildcats rose to national prominence. The "Desert Swarm" defense, a ferocious and innovative unit, led them to multiple conference championships and Rose Bowl appearances.

-Players like Pat Tillman and Chris Spielman became household names, showcasing the program's ability to develop elite talent.


Challenges and Transition (2000s-Present):

-Following the Tomey era, the program faced struggles, cycling through coaches and failing to replicate the previous decade's success.

-However, recent years have shown signs of revival. Coach Jedd Fisch, hired in 2020, has brought renewed optimism and a commitment to offensive innovation.

Here is a video that captures some snippets of some of the greatest moments and players in UCF Football history. Take a look at the looks of the gridiron uniforms of the Knights through the years as you enjoy the special moments that captured the hearts of the onlooking fans.

Born an underdog in the 80s, UCF Knights football rose like a meteor. The early days saw classic white helmets and gritty wins. Then came gold, symbolizing their rise and iconic "UCF" logo charge. Coach Frost led a 25-game win streak, rewriting records and silencing doubters. Now, they wear chrome, Pegasus wings, and a swagger like champions. From scrappy underdogs to national contenders, the Knights' story is one of relentless climb, bold helmets, and charging into the future, forever golden.

The YouTube video really captures the spirit of Knight football and the excellence that the program has strived for over the seasons. Remember, it was made just after the 2020 season, so there is so much more that has occurred since and even more that will stir the emotions of the faithful in the future.

The UCF Knights football program hasn't just played the game; it's rewritten the narrative. From humble beginnings as a fledgling program to national title contenders, here's a glimpse into their meteoric rise:


Early Days (1979-2004):

-It began as a Division III program, gradually climbing the ranks to Division I-AA.

-They won six National Championships within their Division, cementing a legacy of winning even before reaching the big leagues.

-Key figurehead: Coach Gene McDowell led them to four of their I-AA titles.

Transition to FBS and Finding Footing (2004-2016):

-UCF joined Conference USA, facing tougher competition and a bigger stage.

-They experienced growing pains but achieved notable wins, like upsetting Auburn in 2007.

-Hired coach George O'Leary, who laid the foundation for future success.


The Era of Blake Bortles and National Attention (2016-2018):

-Head coach Scott Frost arrived, unlocking the offense with quarterback Blake Bortles.

-Stunning victories over Baylor and Georgia catapulted them to national rankings.

-Won the Peach Bowl in 2016 and finished #9 in the final AP Poll, their highest rank ever.


Josh Heupel and Continued Dominance (2018-Present):

-UCF continued to have success under coaches Josh Heupel and Gus Malzahn.

-Won six American Athletic Conference (The American) championships in eight years.

-Defeated Auburn again in 2019, showing their consistency against Power Five programs.

-Recently joined the Big 12 Conference in 2023, entering the most prestigious level of college football starting in 2024.

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Despite lacking the national dominance of some, the Arizona Wildcats football program boasts a storied history brimming with thrilling victories that resonate with fans and define team eras. Here are a few of their biggest wins, each echoing across the desert sands:

Fiesta Bowl Upset & Desert Swarm Domination (1994):

-Facing Miami, a college football powerhouse, the Wildcats unleashed their defensive juggernaut, the "Desert Swarm," holding the Hurricanes scoreless in a 29-0 rout.

-This dominant performance secured their first Pac-10 championship and propelled them to a No. 4 national ranking, etching a golden moment in program history.


Territorial Cup Triumph & Rebooting the Rivalry (2014):

-Down by 13 points against arch-rivals Arizona State, the Wildcats staged a dramatic comeback to win 42-35, clinching the Pac-12 South division title.

-This victory wasn't just about the win; it symbolized the program's resurgence under coach Rich Rodriguez and reignited the enthusiasm of the Territorial Cup rivalry.

Upsetting the Ducks: Defying Expectations & National Spotlight (2013):

-Underdog Arizona stunned No. 3 Oregon, a national championship contender, in a 31-24 overtime thriller.

-This upset catapulted the Wildcats into the national spotlight, showcasing their potential and shattering Oregon's hopes for an undefeated season.

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The Arizona State Sun Devils have carved a unique path in college football history, boasting a rich tapestry of memorable moments. Here are some of the most significant:
Undefeated 1975 Season:
In 1975, the Sun Devils achieved the pinnacle of success, going undefeated (12-0) and claiming the Western Athletic Conference Championship.
This feat established them as a national powerhouse and culminated in a Fiesta Bowl victory against Nebraska.
This season remains etched in Sun Devil lore as a testament to the program's potential and a source of inspiration for future generations.
Rose Bowl Appearance and National Championship Contention (1996):
The 1996 season saw another peak for the Sun Devils. They captured the Pac-10 Conference championship with an impressive 11-1 record.
Their dominant performance earned them a coveted Rose Bowl berth, where they narrowly fell to Ohio State.
This season solidified their national presence and showcased their ability to compete at the highest level, even against established powerhouses.
Giant Killings and Upsets:
The Sun Devils have a history of surprising victories over ranked opponents, earning them the reputation as "giant killers."
In 2007, they stunned the college football world by defeating No. 5 Michigan, a moment forever etched in program history.
Other notable upsets include victories against No. 20 Tennessee (2016) and No. 17 Washington (2018), demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents.
Bowl Wins and Conference Championships:
The Sun Devils have secured 15 bowl victories and 17 conference championships across different conferences.
These triumphs highlight their sustained success and ability to consistently compete for postseason glory.
The Sun Devils' most recent accomplishments include the 2021 Las Vegas Bowl win and the 2013 Pac-12 South Division championship.
Individual Achievements and Development:
Several Sun Devil players have earned individual accolades and recognition for their exceptional talent and contributions to the program.
Notable examples include Pat Tillman, a decorated NFL player and war hero.
Terrell Suggs is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion.
Jake Plummer is a Pro Bowl quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist.
The Sun Devils' commitment to player development is evident in their track record of producing NFL-caliber talent.
For more on the top ASU Football moments check out the linked article.

The Arizona State Sun Devils football program boasts a rich history dating back to 1891. While national championships may have eluded them, the Sun Devils have carved their own unique path in college football, marked by resilience, consistent improvement, and a commitment to developing NFL talent.
Early Years (1891-1950s):
The Sun Devils' early years saw them compete in various conferences, including the Pacific Coast Conference and the Western Athletic Conference.
Their early history was marked by inconsistency and struggle, with limited success and sporadic winning seasons.
However, the program laid the foundation for future success, developing a strong identity and fostering a dedicated fan base.
Golden Age (1950s-1970s):
The 1950s and 60s saw the rise of ASU football under legendary coaches Frank Kush and Darryl Rogers.
This era witnessed the program's most sustained success, including Seven conference championships (six Western Athletic Conference, one Pacific Coast Conference)
Three bowl appearances (1959 Sun Bowl, 1961 Sun Bowl, 1970 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl)
Development of NFL stars, including Merlin Olsen, John Hadl, and Pat Tillman
Turbulent Times (1980s-2000s):
The program faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century, experiencing periods of coaching changes, NCAA sanctions, and inconsistent results.
Despite these obstacles, the Sun Devils continued to field talented players like Jake Plummer and Terrell Suggs, showcasing their commitment to player development.
Resurgence and Modern Era (2010s-Present):
ASU football entered a new era of success under head coaches Dennis Erickson and Todd Graham.
The program achieved significant milestones, including Two Pac-12 South Division titles (2013, 2020)
Eight bowl appearances (2011 LVH Bowl, 2012 Mopar Bowl, 2013 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, 2014 Cactus Bowl, 2015 Alamo Bowl, 2017 Sun Bowl, 2018 Las Vegas Bowl, 2020 Sun Bowl)
Continued development of NFL talent, including Brandon Aiyuk and Eno Benjamin
The Future of ASU Football:
The Sun Devils are currently under the leadership of head coach Kenny Dillingham, looking to build upon the recent successes and establish themselves among the Pac-12 elite.
Their innovative approach to NIL opportunities and commitment to developing young talent position them for an exciting future.

The "best season" for Arizona State Sun Devils Football is a subjective question with no definitive answer. It depends heavily on what criteria you prioritize, such as:
Record: The Sun Devils have achieved several impressive records throughout their history. Their best record by winning percentage is 12-0 in 1975, while their highest win total is 13 in 1971 and 1972.
Conference championships: Arizona State has won 17 conference championships across different conferences, including the Border Conference, Western Athletic Conference, and Pac-12 Conference. Their most recent championship came in 2013 in the Pac-12 South.
Bowl appearances and wins: The Sun Devils have appeared in 24 bowl games, winning 15. Their most recent bowl win came in the 2021 Las Vegas Bowl.
National rankings: Arizona State has been ranked in the final AP Top 25 poll on 14 occasions. Their highest ranking was No. 2 in both 1975 and 1996.

Here are some arguments for different seasons as the Sun Devils' best:

1975:

Undefeated record of 12-0
Won the Western Athletic Conference championship
Ranked No. 2 in the final AP Poll
Defeated Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl
1996:

Record of 11-1
Won the Pac-10 Conference championship
Ranked No. 2 in the final AP Poll
Lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl

For more on the 1996 season check out the linked article