Here is the latest Big 12 Conference sports news from The Associated Press

By AP

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Sam Leavitt has led No. 10 Arizona State from a three-win season a year ago to spot in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against No. 7 Texas in the New Year’s Day Peach Bowl. While running back Cam Skattebo has been the Sun Devils’ turbocharger, Leavitt has been the steady hand at the wheel. The redshirt freshman helped push the Sun Devils to four wins over ranked opponents in their best season since the 1996 team went to the Rose Bowl. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound transfer from Michigan State has thrown for 2,663 yards and 24 touchdowns with five interceptions. Leavitt has made good decisions throughout the season, playing more like a veteran than redshirt freshman, and used his legs to extend plays or break off runs.

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas State will try to rebound from a difficult finish to the regular season as it faces Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The Wildcats were once in the thick of the Big 12 race, but lost three of their final four games as their offense faltered. Kansas State is certainly familiar with the desert, playing in the Rate Bowl for the fifth time. Rutgers had its down stretch in the middle of the season, losing four straight games as injuries mounted. The Scarlet Knights closed the season with a blowout win over Michigan State and have a chance to win consecutive bowl games for the first time since a run of five straight from 2006-11.