Former Ohio State Buckeye and current Pro Bowl quarterback CJ Stroud had something to say about a certain Arizona State Sun Devils running back who had a big game in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Arizona State Standout Cam Skattebo Praised By NFL Star CJ Stroud After Dominant Peach Bowl Performance
Houston Texans quarterback Stroud knows a little something about putting up big numbers in a College Football Playoff game.
As a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2022, he produced a performance for the ages against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP semifinals.
The Bulldogs’ defense was loaded with NFL talent, including defensive tackle Jalen Carter, outside linebacker Nolan Smith, cornerback Kelee Ringo, and safety Christopher Smith, all of whom were selected in the following NFL Draft.
Stroud cooked them. His final stat line: 23-34, 348 yards and four touchdowns, putting 41 points on the board. If it weren’t for a missed 50-yard field goal, the Buckeyes would’ve had a chance to play in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
At his weekly press conference ahead of an NFL Playoff matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, Stroud spoke highly of Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo, who, similarly to Stroud, had a performance to remember on the biggest stage.
“I like that running back,” Stroud said. “That running back nice.”
CJ Stroud when praising Quinn Ewers & Steve Sarkisian, mentions the Texas vs Arizona State game.
Says “Arizona State been playing some good ball.. I like that running back. That running back nice”
Cam Skatteboo to the Texans confirmed. pic.twitter.com/cXfVqKqnjW
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) January 8, 2025
In the CFP quarterfinals against the Texas Longhorns, with the college football world — and Stroud — watching, Skattebo showcased his passing, receiving, and, most importantly, rushing ability. Coming into the game, he expressed confidence in himself and claimed that Texas hadn’t yet seen a running back like him. The first team All-Big 12 selection backed his words up — and then some.
Toting the ball 30 times, Skattebo totaled 143 yards on the ground. He was the team leader in receiving by a wide margin, with eight catches for another 99 yards. And then, in one of the most pivotal moments of the game, Skattebo showed off his arm as a passer.
Down 24-8 and facing 4th-and-two near midfield, the Sun Devils pitched the ball to Skattebo. As the Longhorns converged, the Arizona State standout stood tall and delivered a throw down the field to a receiver for a 42-yard touchdown. That score began a 16-point fourth-quarter comeback to send the game into overtime.
While both Stroud and Skattebo’s efforts ended in a loss, their performances will live on in college football history. That was Stroud’s final game in college, the same for the Arizona State running back. The next season, Stroud won NFL Rookie of the Year. If their similarly big performances are a preview of what’s to come, look for Skattebo to continue his dominant ways in the pros.
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