TEMPE — Arizona State’s 1996 football team, which went 11-1 and reached the Rose Bowl, reunited for its 30th anniversary and was recognized during Saturday’s game against Colorado.
That team, ranked No. 2 in the nation at the time, came close to beating No. 4 Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Jake Plummer’s go-ahead touchdown in the final two minutes was answered by Ohio State quarterback Joe Germaine’s touchdown pass in the last 20 seconds for a 20-17 loss.
ASU athletic director Graham Rossini told Arizona Sports that 40 to 50 members of the team were expected back for a dinner and a halftime recognition. “It’s almost 30 years to the date of when they clinched that Rose Bowl berth and hard to believe that was 30 years ago,” he said.
Rossini said Plummer was a big reason he wanted to come to ASU in the first place.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham said he planned to bring the 1996 players into the locker room so current players could understand the legacy they can leave. “Some of the guys that were here two years ago (and won a Big 12 title), they’re going to get to do that in 30 years too,” he said.
The celebration came during ASU’s family weekend, which drew a sellout crowd, according to Arizona Sports. The current Sun Devils gave the alumni something to cheer about, beating Colorado 20-10.
Sources: Arizona Sports. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
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