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' 1997 season was remarkable, culminating in a Rose Bowl appearance and a near victory against Ohio State. Had they won that game, they would have likely been crowned national champions due to their undefeated record within the major conference.