(Tempe, AZ) ASU returned home after a lackluster effort on the road last week against Mississippi State, losing in the final minute of the game on a blown coverage that allowed the Bulldogs to pull the game out. In spite of the loss, this game was sold out for a second consecutive time.
The Sun Devils were the favorite and had to come roaring back to take a late three point lead. The fact that they had the grit to come back was positive, but falling behind that put them in that position was not expected from the preseason hype.
So, Arizona State had the opportunity to redeem itself against the Texas State Bobcats tonight. One would assume that their practice preparing for this game was like Hell Week.
Texas State was picked to finish second in the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference’s according to the preseason coaches poll behind Louisiana.
Interesting enough, the Bobcats will join the new PAC-12 next season as that conference will add new teams in an effort to regain it’s prestige and possibly a Power Five ranking.
Photo – Sun Devil Athletics
First Quarter
ASU won the coin toss and elected to defer to the second half.
Texas State came out in a no huddle offense and quickly gained a first down. Then the Sun Devils said, “no more of that” as they followed with a three and out.
The Devis countered after the punt with a 23 yard sprint by Raleek Brown. After two plays, ASU was in Bobcat territory.
After starting well, the offense sputtered and failed to convert a fourth down to turn the ball back to TSU.
On the Bobcats second possession, they had -12 yards as the swarming ASU defense stuffed quarterback Brad Jackson.
Again, the Sun Devils came out fast with an acrobatic 36 yard reception by Jordyn Tyson. Just as the previous possession, they failed to sustain their drive and Jesus Gomez booted a 47 yard field goal to get ASU on the board 3-0.
With their no huddle hurry up offense, the Bobcats consistently moved the ball as Arizona State was slow to get into their defensive set.
With the inability to substitute on defense, Coach Dillingham burned a time out to get some fresh legs into the lineup.
The well ran dry and the Bobcats salvaged the drive to tie it up 3-3 with a Tyler Robles 39 yard field goal.
Photo – Sun Devil Athletics
Second Quarter
The Devis continued the drive after Leavitt converted a fourth and one with a 3 yard keeper. After that, Tyson again with a catch as he hurdled a defender to score on a ten play drive that went 75 yards and the game’s first touchdown. ASU up 10-3 at the 12:47 mark of the quarter.
Defense came up big as Texas State was driving as receiver Beau Sparks caught the ball and then coughed up the ball on a hit by Keith Abney and Ghost Rowser recovered.
Four plays later, Leavitt scored from the one yard line to put the Sun Devils up 17-3 at the 10:22 mark.
Texas State again drove down the field almost effortlessly, but again the Sun Devils forced a forced a fourth and four and Jackson’s pass under pressure fell incomplete and a turnover on downs.
The Leavitt to Tyson combination was working well and then Raleek Brown busted off a ten yard run to keep the Bobcats’ defense guessing. ASU got greedy and failed to get a first down after an eleven play 56 yard drive resulting in a 26 yard field goal and a 20-3 lead at halftime.
Halftime
Both teams moved the ball offensively but not consistently especially for Texas State. They moved the ball between the 20’s but couldn’t finish off their drives resulting in a lone field goal.
ASU’s attack was more balanced with 119 yards rushing and 145 yards through the air.
Photo – Sun Devil Athletics
Third Quarter
The start of the second half saw Leavitt take his offense on his shoulder and legs as he drove the Devils down the field and scored on a Chamon Matayer 27 yard reception to add to the late score in the second quarter before Texas State even got their hands on the ball. Sun Devils had a 27-3 lead.
With their work cut out for them, Texas State again had early success on the ensuing drive. Forced into a fourth and three yards Jackson’s pass under pressure gained 4 yards to keep the drive going.
Jackson’s legs eluding would be tacklers was a key in this drive as he scrambled in from the seven yard line for the Bobcats first touchdown. A two point conversion was not successful off an incomplete pass. ASU up 20-9.
After a touchback on the kickoff, Raleek Brown dashed 75 yards showcasing his track speed through a tight hole and it was off to the races. Arizona State avenged the Bobcats touchdown and were now up 34-9 with just under two minutes left in the quarter.
Fourth Quarter
At the ASU sixteen yard line and a fourth and one yard to go, Jackson fumbled the ball and possession back to the Sun Devils. They would have got the ball anyways on a turnover on downs.
Texas State would gain chunks of yards but then take a sack and the drive went back and forth for the Bobcats. Jackson had taken hard hits all game long and it was showing in his post play movement.
The Bobcats scored on a 3 yard pass to Kylen Evans the back corner of the end zone with just 5:26 left on the clock. The two point attempt failed. ASU comfortably ahead 34-15 as Coach Dillingham called off the dogs using his back ups to finish up the game.
ASU recovered the onside kick and backup quarterback Jeff Sims got the call for mop up duty.
Sims showcased his mobility moving the offense down the field with relative ease but went to taking a knee to seal the win 34-15.
Wrap Up
Once ASU got on track, the athlete showed up. Raleek Brown showed everyone why the Sun Devis picked him up in the Transfer Portal two years ago. He gained 144 yards on 12 carries highlighted with his 75 yard touchdown run. He also had a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown called back on a holding call away from the play.
Kyson Brown didn’t dress out or play with Kanye Udoh picking up the slack.
Sam Leavitt had a decent game but still needs more consistency. He passed for 188 yards and went 15-25.
Jordyn Tyson showed his athleticism more than once as his touchdown was accentuated with him hurdling into the end zone.
On defense, Jordan Crook and Myles Rowser combined for 22 tackkes and 3.5 tackles for loss, often at critical times in the game.
Texas State didn’t score a touchdown until the third quarter and a mercy touchdown late in the game when the Sun Devil reserves were in the game.
All in all, Arizona State amassed 433 total yards and looked much better than they did last week against Mississippi State.
Tonight’s attendance was 54,005 their second consecutive home sellout in both games.
Up Next
Next Saturday, ASU treavels to McLane Stadium to take on the Baylor Bears. Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. local time.
