WATCH: Cam Skattebo called TD pass in the Peach Bowl the ‘Philly Special’, ASU comeback falls short in double-overtime

Cam Skattebo didn’t let a rough morning—or a rougher start—hold him back in the Peach Bowl. The Arizona State running back delivered an all-time great performance, accounting for 20 points and nearly willing the Sun Devils to an upset over Texas in a double-overtime thriller.

Let’s talk about that so-called “Philly Special” and whether it really lived up to the iconic name.

Cam Skattebo’s “Philly Special“? Pump the Brakes, Brother

CAM SKATTEBO WITH THE 42-YARD TD PASS ON FOURTH DOWN 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/CksEs2NL4K

— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2025

First off, we love the nod to Nick Foles and the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles. The “Philly Special” has become shorthand for gutsy, trick-play brilliance, and any homage to one of football’s most iconic moments gets a thumbs up from us.

But let’s be honest: what Skattebo and the Sun Devils ran against Texas wasn’t quite that. Sure, it involved a bit of trickery—a toss to the running back with the potential for a quarterback throw-back—but the play broke down, leaving Skattebo to improvise.

To his credit, he turned it into a 42-yard touchdown pass to Malik McClain, threading the needle despite an underthrown ball.

Cam Skattebo reveals that the play for his touchdown pass was called "Philly Special" and explains that he actually called an audible so that he could throw it to the receiver. @ASUFootball pic.twitter.com/VD3KaGHpwg

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) January 2, 2025

Call it creative. Call it gutsy. But calling it the “Philly Special” might be a stretch. The original had precision, choreography, and an unforgettable moment tied to it. This was more of a backyard football “make something happen” moment. Still, it worked—and worked brilliantly.

Cam Skattebo’s Historic Night

Labeling aside, Skattebo’s Peach Bowl performance was nothing short of legendary. After an admittedly “sloshy” start (he blamed a suspect croissant breakfast and overhydration for his sideline vomiting), Skattebo found another gear.

He finished with 143 rushing yards on 30 carries, eight catches for 99 yards, and three total touchdowns, including that highlight-reel pass. According to OptaSTATS, he became the first player this century in FBS, FCS, or the NFL to record at least 100 rushing yards, 75 receiving yards, a passing touchdown, and a two-point conversion in a single game.

This kind of all-purpose domination hasn’t been seen since Christian McCaffrey’s 2015 campaign, and Skattebo’s effort was a masterclass in toughness, adaptability, and sheer will.

ASU’s Comeback Falls Short in Overtime

Arizona State may have fallen short, losing 39-31 in double overtime, but this performance speaks volumes about the team’s resilience. Down 24-8 late in the game, they clawed back, with Skattebo leading the charge.

It’s the kind of performance that keeps fans talking for weeks and cements a player’s legacy in the program.

While we can question calling that touchdown pass the “Philly Special,” there’s no questioning Cam Skattebo’s heart. From the sideline puke-and-rally to a historic all-purpose performance, he showed why he’s one of the most dynamic players in college football.

ASU may have lost, but Skattebo’s star is shining brighter than ever. And next time, maybe skip the croissant.

Nick Foles – The Philly Special

Nick Foles turns 34 today!

In Super Bowl LII, he gave us one of the greatest plays in #NFL history: the Philly Special.

🎥: @Eagles | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/QVlro0Owtj

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) January 20, 2023

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