The Sun Devils stunned the top-ranked and two-time defending national champion Nebraska Cornhuskers in the season's second game. Arizona State reeled off the third undefeated regular season in school history en route 1997 Rose Bowl, where they came within 19 seconds of a victory over Ohio State. Had they won, the Sun Devils would have likely won at least a share of the national championship, as they would have been the only undefeated major-conference team in the nation.
The Arizona State Sun Devils defeated the top-ranked and two-time defending national champion Nebraska Cornhuskers in their second game of the season. This victory led to Arizona State's third undefeated regular season, which culminated in a Rose Bowl appearance where they were just 19 seconds away from winning against Ohio State. If they had won, the Sun Devils would have likely been crowned national champions as they would have been the only undefeated major-conference team.