Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo had an unforgettable performance during his team’s College Football Playoff showdown against Texas on Wednesday, but not all of it was for the right reasons. Despite looking visibly unwell on the sidelines, the Heisman Trophy finalist clarified that his condition wasn’t due to illness but rather an unexpected reaction to overhydration.
A Standout Performance Amid Adversity
Skattebo carried the Sun Devils on his back during their thrilling double-overtime Peach Bowl matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
He rushed for an impressive 143 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries while adding eight receptions for 99 yards. However, despite his Herculean effort, Arizona State fell short in a 39-31 loss to the Longhorns.
Throughout the game, Skattebo was repeatedly shown on the broadcast looking exhausted and struggling on the sidelines. At one point in the fourth quarter, ESPN sideline reporter Taylor McGregor reported that Skattebo was “vomiting profusely” near the bench and requesting fluids. His condition sparked concern among fans and speculation that he might be battling the flu or another illness.
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Skattebo Sets the Record Straight
Following the game, Skattebo addressed the incident during the postgame press conference. He explained that his sudden bout of vomiting was not due to illness but from drinking too much water too quickly.
“I threw up. I drank too much water too fast,” Skattebo said. “I was kind of feeling sloshy. I felt better after throwing up. That’s when it all started to turn around for me. I had a rough first half, wasn’t feeling too good, but in the second half, it was a different ballgame.”
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham humorously referred to the situation as a “puke and rally,” praising Skattebo’s ability to bounce back and contribute significantly in the latter stages of the game.
A Rough Start Turns Into a Redemption Arc
Skattebo’s first half was far from his best. He struggled to gain momentum, leading to criticism from commentators and social media alike. Adding to the pressure, the running back had made a bold pregame statement that drew mockery when his initial performance didn’t live up to expectations. His frustration was evident as cameras captured him in a tense exchange with a teammate on the sideline.
However, Skattebo turned things around in the second half. Despite the vomiting episode and physical exhaustion, he emerged as a key playmaker, nearly willing his team to a victory. His final stat line—242 total yards and two touchdowns—hardly reflected someone under the weather, even if the Sun Devils ultimately fell short.
A Memorable Game in a Disappointing Outcome
While the Peach Bowl loss marked the end of Arizona State’s playoff run, Skattebo’s resilience and determination shone through. His explanation for the vomiting incident put to rest rumors of illness and highlighted the challenges athletes face in high-pressure situations.
Although the Sun Devils’ season ended in heartbreak, Skattebo’s performance further cemented his reputation as one of the top running backs in college football.
As he looks ahead to the NFL Draft, this game will likely serve as a testament to his grit and ability to persevere under tough circumstances.
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