On Saturday night, the Arizona State Sun Devils delivered a stunning performance, overcoming the 16th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats with a score of 24-14. Quarterback Sam Leavitt showcased his skills, connecting effectively with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who had a standout game. The Wildcats, on the other hand, struggled to find their offensive rhythm until it was too late, ultimately costing them a chance at the Big 12 Championship.
Impact on the Big 12 Standings
With this victory, Arizona State improved to an impressive 8-2 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12 Conference, placing them third in the standings. They now sit just one game behind the Colorado Buffaloes, who are vying for a spot in the championship game. This win not only boosts the Sun Devils’ confidence but also keeps their championship hopes alive as the season winds down.
Conversely, the Kansas State Wildcats fell to 7-3 and 4-3 in conference play, effectively knocking themselves out of contention for both the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff. With three losses and no chance to compete for the conference title, their path to a playoff berth appears increasingly unlikely.
Game Summary: Arizona State vs. Kansas State
The game was marked by Arizona State’s offensive dominance. The Sun Devils recorded 23 first downs and converted 9-of-15 on third downs, showcasing their ability to keep the chains moving. They controlled the clock, holding possession for an impressive 36 minutes and 36 seconds, largely due to their efficient passing game.
Sam Leavitt was instrumental in this victory, completing 21 of his 34 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to manage the game and maintain possession was crucial, especially in the first half, where Arizona State built a substantial lead.
In contrast, Kansas State’s offense struggled to find its footing. Quarterback Avery Johnson completed 24 of 40 passes but threw two interceptions, which hindered their scoring opportunities. Although the Wildcats’ running game, led by DJ Giddens, averaged a solid 6.2 yards per carry, the team’s three turnovers proved detrimental to their chances of mounting a comeback.
Scoring Breakdown
The scoring in this game unfolded as follows:
- 11:19 1Q: Sam Leavitt 11 Yard Passing TD to Jordyn Tyson | 7-0 Arizona State
- 14:18 2Q: Sam Leavitt 30 Yard Passing TD to Jordyn Tyson | 14-0 Arizona State
- 10:10 2Q: Sam Leavitt 16 Yard Passing TD to Chamon Metayer | 21-0 Arizona State
- 11:00 3Q: Parker Lewis 47 Yard Field Goal | 24-0 Arizona State
- 2:51 3Q: Avery Johnson 10 Yard Rushing TD (Two Point Attempt Failed) | 24-6 Arizona State
- 11:26 4Q: Joe Jackson 4 Yard Rushing TD (Two Point Attempt Successful) | 24-14 Arizona State
Box Score Highlights
Let’s take a closer look at the box scores to understand how both teams performed.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Quarterback Performance:
- Sam Leavitt: 5 carries for 42 rushing yards, 21 completions on 34 attempts, 275 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions.
Rushing & Receiving:
- Cam Skattebo: 25 carries for 73 rushing yards, 4 receptions for 44 receiving yards.
- Jordyn Tyson: 12 receptions for 176 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns.
Defense:
- Xavion Alford: 1 interception.
- Shamari Simmons: 1 interception.
Kicking:
- Parker Lewis: 3 extra points made, 1 field goal made from 47 yards.
Kansas State Wildcats
Quarterback Performance:
- Avery Johnson: 6 carries for 21 rushing yards, 24 completions on 40 attempts, 258 passing yards, 0 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions.
Rushing & Receiving:
- DJ Giddens: 14 carries for 133 rushing yards.
- Dante Cephas: 4 receptions for 65 receiving yards.
Defense:
- Jordan Riley: 1 fumble recovery.
Kicking:
- Chris Tennant: 0 extra points made, 0 field goals made (1 attempt).
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, Arizona State will look to build on this momentum as they chase a spot in the Big 12 Championship. Their ability to execute on both offense and defense will be critical in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Kansas State will need to regroup and address their turnover issues if they hope to salvage their season and finish strong.
This game not only highlighted the strengths of Arizona State but also served as a wake-up call for Kansas State. With the stakes higher than ever, every game counts as teams push for their respective goals in the season’s final stretch. Fans can expect thrilling matchups ahead as the battle for conference supremacy intensifies.
