Arizona
Big 12 Championship Prediction: No. 15 Arizona State vs No. 16 Iowa State
The inaugural season of the expanded Big 12 comes to a thrilling conclusion on Saturday when No. 12 Arizona State faces No. 16 Iowa State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Both teams have made remarkable strides this season, with the stakes as high as ever: a conference championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
A Historic Matchup
This is the first meeting between the two programs, each chasing history. Arizona State, led by head coach Kenny Dillingham, seeks its first outright conference championship in school history and a landmark 11-win season. Their remarkable turnaround from a 3-9 campaign last year is one of the best turnarounds in recent memory.
Iowa State also aims for its first Big 12 title after falling short in its 2020 appearance. The Cyclones’ 10 wins are a program-best, showcasing their transformation into a consistent contender under head coach Matt Campbell.
Arizona State’s offense revolves around running back Cam Skattebo, whose 1,397 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns have been instrumental to the Sun Devils’ success. Skattebo’s versatility—he’s the only 1,000-yard rusher in FBS with over 400 receiving yards—makes him a matchup nightmare. He’s just 40 yards shy of setting Arizona State’s single-season record for scrimmage yards.
Iowa State’s defense, while solid overall, has struggled to contain opposing ground games. Their ability to limit Skattebo will be crucial to slowing Arizona State’s balanced attack.
On the other side, Iowa State’s offense boasts one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the nation. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have both eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards, a feat unmatched by any other pair in the FBS this season. Quarterback Rocco Becht has been a steady leader, guiding Iowa State to success it has never seen.
Iowa State’s ability to protect Becht against Arizona State’s pass rush will be a deciding factor. The Sun Devils’ defense thrives on creating turnovers and forcing mistakes, which could tilt the game in their favor.
Prediction
Arizona State enters as a slight favorite (-2.5), but this game feels like a toss-up. The Sun Devils’ resurgence has been one of the year’s best stories, and Skattebo’s consistency gives them a dependable offensive foundation. However, Iowa State’s combination of a potent passing game and experience in high-stakes matchups could prove decisive.
Ultimately, Arizona State looks like a team that is destined to win this conference and go to the playoffs. Dillingham will complete this incredible turnaround with a conference title
Prediction: Arizona State 31, Iowa State 27
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Arizona’s natural wonders: See the state’s most iconic sites
Arizona’s diverse geography has created some incredible features. Take a look at the best, including Sedona’s red rocks and the Grand Canyon, of course.
The Republic
Despite its desert reputation, Arizona has several exciting roller coaster attractions that make it a fun destination for thrill seekers. One of the best-known rides is the Desert Storm coaster at Castles N’ Coasters in Phoenix.
Arizona is also home to two popular mountain coasters located in the cooler mountain regions of the state.
Mountain coasters are gravity-powered rides built along hillsides or mountains. Riders sit in individual carts attached to a track and control their own speed using hand brakes. Unlike traditional roller coasters, mountain coasters often wind through forests and natural scenery, creating a mix of adventure ride and scenic experiences.
And Arizona is lucky enough to have two mountain coasters. Here’s how to visit.
What roller coaster is in the mountains in Arizona?
There are two mountain coasters in Arizona: the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams and the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise ski resort.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park in Williams AZ
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park features the Canyon Coaster, which spans 1 mile with a scenic mountain backdrop. It has a peak height of 35 feet and is integrated into the natural curves of the landscape. The 13-acre park also offers tubing across 400 feet of track in summer and snow-covered slopes in winter, facilitated by two conveyor lifts. There’s also a restaurant and bar.
Where: 700 E. Route 66, Williams, Arizona.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7p.m. Fridays-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday year-round.
Admission: The Canyon Coaster costs $20 per person per ride. Riders must be over 4 feet, 5 inches tall. Children who are at least 3 years old and 38-54 inches tall ride for $10 with a driver who is 18 or older. Visit the website for other attractions and pricing.
Details: 928-707-7729, canyoncoasteradventurepark.com.
Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise ski resort
Spanning over half a mile with 3,287 feet of track, the coaster’s carts can reach up to 25 mph. Hand brakes let you choose a mellow or zippy ride. Sunrise Park has skiing and other snow activities in winter, plus mountain biking, scenic chair lift rides and more in summer. Dining options include a restaurant and pub.
Where: Sunrise Park Resort, 200 State Route 273, on the Fort Apache Reservation near Greer.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, closed Monday-Thursday. Open every day starting June 2026.
Admission: $19 per ride or buy two rides for $38 and get a third ride free. Tickets are available in person. See the Sunrise Park website for other seasonal activities and prices.
Details: 928-735-7669, sunrise.ski/apache-coaster.
Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram.
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Last night was the seventh consecutive game where the Diamondbacks were held to six hits or fewer. That ties a franchise record, last done in April 2022, and previously in August 2011. The team’s .477 OPS over that time is actually lower than either streak, though due to the efforts of the pitching staff, Arizona are actually 3-4 during the current run. They went 2-5 in 2022, and 1-6 in 2011. There hasn’t been a longer streak in the majors since the Angels went nine in April last year. In the National League, the Pirates went eight in June 2023. And in case you are wondering, the last team to reach a double-digit streak of games with 6 or fewer hits each time? The 1968 Astros reached 11, the year before the mound was lowered.
Let’s hope the D-backs render that moot and the offense comes to life a bit. The three runs added in garbage time last night, because one of the Rangers’ relievers couldn’t find the strike-zone, certainly padded Arizona’s resume. But they were more because of walks than hits. I’ve no doubt the team will hit better. They have batted .152 over the past week. It’s the second lowest in franchise history for a seven-game span. The only worse was April 7-15, 2022 when Arizona hit a remarkable .135, going 28-for-208 in that span. They actually scored three more runs than the current streak, mostly because they had twice as many home-runs (6-3).
Superintendent Tom Horne speaks at 2026 State of Education address
Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne spoke about controversial topics like DEI and ESAs at the State of Education address to the Legislature on Jan. 20, 2026.
Provided by Arizona Legislature
Democrats Brett Newby and Teresa Leyba Ruiz are set to make the argument to voters that they’re the best candidates to serve as Arizona’s top education official for the next four years.
The Arizona Republic will be streaming the Democratic debate for the Superintendent of Public Instruction race in partnership with the Arizona Media Association. The debate starts at 6 p.m. on May 13.
The office is currently held by Tom Horne, who will on May 14 face off in an Arizona Media Association debate against fellow Republican candidate Kimberly Yee, who currently serves as state treasurer.
Newby has worked as a behavioral analyst and professor, according to his campaign. He received a master’s degree in special education. His campaign has hinged on issues like downsizing the state’s controversial Empowerment Scholarship Program, retaining teachers and hiring more school counselors.
Ruiz attended Roosevelt Elementary School District and Phoenix Union High School District as a child before earning her Ph.D. from Arizona State University. She worked as a teacher at the middle and high school level before becoming president of Glendale Community College.
Like Newby, her campaign has also focused on the ESA program. She has also focused on advocating for more funding for public schools and supporting both rural and urban school districts. Ruiz has also spoken publicly about the teacher retention crisis as part of her campaign.
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