Arizona State University’s kicker, Jesus Gomez, played a pivotal role as he secured a crucial field goal late in the game, leading the Sun Devils to a narrow 25-23 victory over West Virginia on Saturday. The matchup showcased a fierce battle, particularly in the fourth quarter. ASU entered the final period with a 12-point lead at 22-10, only to see West Virginia stage a comeback by scoring 13 consecutive points, which included a remarkable 90-yard touchdown run by running back Cyncir Bowers on a pivotal third down.
In response to West Virginia’s surge, Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims orchestrated a crucial 40-yard drive to position his team for a field goal. Gomez, who had faced a setback with a previous blocked kick, redeemed himself by successfully converting a 49-yard field goal with just 2:44 left on the clock, giving ASU a 25-23 lead.
With no timeouts remaining for West Virginia, the team managed to advance to their own 44-yard line. However, Sun Devil cornerback Keith Abney II clinched the victory for ASU by intercepting quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. on a critical fourth down. Speaking about the interception, Abney expressed his exhilaration, noting the eye contact he made with the quarterback just before the play, which he believed indicated a pass was coming.
This victory keeps Arizona State in contention within the Big 12 Conference, improving their record to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in conference play. Earlier in the day, they received an added boost as Arizona defeated Cincinnati 30-24, providing ASU with a competitive edge in the standings. Currently, Texas Tech leads the conference with a 9-1 record, followed by BYU and Houston.
Looking ahead, Arizona State will prepare for their next challenge as they head to Folsom Field to take on Colorado next Saturday. This win not only bolsters their hopes in the conference but also underscores the resilience and determination of the Sun Devils as they navigate the season.