The Arizona State University (ASU) football team surprised many by defeating the No. 16 ranked Kansas State Wildcats 24-14 on Saturday, despite being a 7.5-point underdog. This victory not only improved ASU’s record to 8-2 but also kept their hopes alive for a spot in the Big 12 Championship.
ASU’s impressive performance began with an explosive start, jumping to a 24-0 lead before Kansas State began to rally. Key players for ASU included Jordyn Tyson, who recorded two touchdowns and amassed 176 receiving yards on 12 catches. Quarterback Sam Leavitt also had a standout game, completing 21 out of 34 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Cam Skattebo contributed significantly to the ground game, rushing for 73 yards on 25 carries.
Despite Kansas State outgaining ASU in total yardage (412-398), turnovers proved to be costly for the Wildcats. They committed two interceptions and lost a fumble, along with missing two crucial field goal attempts. ASU, on the other hand, had only one turnover, which helped them maintain their lead as the game unfolded.
Kansas State’s quarterback, Avery Johnson, completed 24 of 40 passes for 258 yards, while running back DJ Giddens rushed for 133 yards. Kansas State dropped to an overall record of 7-3 and 4-3 in conference play, while ASU reached a 5-2 conference record in their inaugural season in the Big 12.
With this win, ASU’s prospects for the Big 12 title look promising. The Sun Devils will face a crucial match against BYU next week, which could further bolster their standing in the conference.
In summary, ASU’s victory against Kansas State showcased their resilience and growth throughout the season, particularly under first-year coach Kenny Dillingham. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Sun Devils are firmly in the mix for a chance at the championship, offering fans a hopeful and exciting outlook as the season progresses.