Arizona State fans created an unforgettable scene as they stormed the field and tore down the goalposts in celebration following a thrilling 28-23 victory over No. 14 BYU on Saturday. The exciting finish came after Cam Skattebo shined once again, rushing for 147 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Sam Leavitt passed for 247 yards. The game capped off with a dramatic last minute, including an unexpected premature rush from the student section, which delayed the game before BYU’s last-ditch Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete.
Arizona State’s head coach, Kenny Dillingham, expressed pride in his players for their resilience and determination. “We won the football game,” he said, highlighting the achievement of overcoming another ranked team at Mountain America Stadium. “Whatever happened at the end, it happened. You know what? We got to rush the field twice—how about that?”
Despite an interception from Javan Robinson with just over a minute left, Arizona State found itself in a tense situation when they stalled on offense. As the crowd believed the game was done, they flooded the field prematurely, prompting officials to signal there was still one second remaining. BYU’s coach, Kalani Sitake, sought a penalty that could have moved his team closer, but was informed that the decision rested with the officiating crew, not the Big 12 Conference.
In a show of sportsmanship, Sitake remained respectful about the officiating, acknowledging the emotional toll of the game and the unfortunate fallout for BYU, who saw their College Football Playoff aspirations dim with this loss. “We would have loved to have it closer,” Sitake remarked, but he quickly shifted focus to the full context of the match, emphasizing that the game’s outcome was determined well before the final moments.
Arizona State’s victory was their fourth straight, significantly boosting their standings and putting them in the conversation for a place in the College Football Playoff. Conversely, BYU faced a tough setback after securing an early 9-0 season start, resulting in back-to-back losses that likely dashed their own postseason hopes.
With this impressive win, Arizona State demonstrated their fighting spirit, as encapsulated by Skattebo’s remarks: “The boys have fought every day. We didn’t blink when they started scoring points.” This exemplifies the team’s determination and commitment, stirring excitement among fans and prospects for the remainder of the season.
This exciting game not only showcases the talent and competitive spirit of both teams but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football, where victory can hinge on mere seconds and the collective energy of a passionate fanbase. The Sun Devils have positioned themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12, leaving fans hopeful for what lies ahead in their season.