The Peach Bowl will feature multiple stars, but potentially none bigger than Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, who expressed confidence in his mindset and ability competing against a stout Texas Longhorns defense.
Cam Skattebo Exuding Confidence in Himself Ahead of Peach Bowl Matchup
Skattebo runs hard. He punishes opposing defenses with his physical running style, while also possessing coveted speed and home run hitting ability. All together, he’s one of the best, most complete running backs in the country.
And he’s not shy saying that.
Ahead of a matchup with the SEC runner-up and No. 5 seeded Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl, Skattebo expressed the confidence he has in himself.
“I’m in one of the four biggest conferences in the country and I’m doing it at the highest level. That simple. I believe that I’m the best because I always think I’m the best,” Skattebo said.
“I’m going to continue to think I’m the best even if I’m a third string in the NFL or a starter. I’m going to still think I’m the best in the league just because that’s who I am and that’s what I believe in. If you have that mindset, you never know where you can end up.”
That mindset likely played a huge role in the Sun Devils’ turnaround from 2023 to 2024.
A Sacramento State Hornet for two seasons, Skattebo arrived in Tempe ahead of the 2023 season. He had a solid junior season, ranking 10th in the Pac-12 in rushing yards with 783 along with nine rushing touchdowns, but the Sun Devils still finished with a 3-9 record.
3-9 to 11-2 — including a Big 12 championship and a bye in the College Football Playoff — doesn’t happen without action and belief. Skattebo embodied both of those sentiments.
In his senior season and second as a Sun Devil, Skattebo burst onto the scene, putting together one of the best seasons by a running back in recent memory. Up to this point, he’s carried the ball 263 times for 1,568 yards and 19 touchdowns. He’s also added 506 yards and three touchdowns on 37 catches.
Over 2,000 yards in only 12 games — missing one due to injury — Skattebo has been the main catalyst for the Sun Devils’ turnaround. He finished fifth in Heisman voting, an unthinkable achievement following a middling 2023 campaign.
But the job isn’t done yet, as the Longhorns stand in the way.
On the season, Texas ranks ninth in the country in opposing rushing yards allowed, giving up only 104.5 yards per game. Skattebo averages 130.6 ypg by himself — including 164.6 ypg in his last three outings to go along with nine total touchdowns.
In their first-round matchup with the Clemson Tigers, the Longhorns held their opponent to 76 yards on 24 carries — only 3.2 yards per attempt, shutting down the Tigers’ run game altogether.
Asked if Texas has faced anyone like him, Skattebo’s answer painted a clear picture of the mindset that has led him and the Sun Devils up to this point.
“Like I say, I feel like I’m the best, so I don’t think so. No matter who they played, I still think I’m the best. I’m excited to play those guys because I’m going to present them something new that they haven’t seen before. I’m excited, and hopefully they’re ready to play some football.”
Spoken like a true football guy, up for the challenge.
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