The Arizona State Sun Devils secured a pivotal 28-23 victory over BYU at Mountain America Stadium, keeping their hopes for the Big 12 Conference title alive. The match drew a full house on Saturday, with ASU showcased as a formidable contender in the Big 12.
In a previous matchup, Arizona State defeated Kansas State 24-14, while BYU faced a narrow 17-13 loss to Kansas. With this win, ASU improves to a record of 9-2 overall and 6-2 in conference play, mirroring BYU’s identical overall and conference records.
The Sun Devils have maintained a strong historical advantage over BYU, holding a 21-8 all-time series lead and breaking the Cougars’ three-game winning streak against them. This contest marked their first clash as opponents in the Big 12 Conference.
In a thrilling finale, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff launched a desperation Hail Mary with just one second left on the clock, but it fell short, prompting ASU fans to celebrate on the field. The game saw exciting moments as both teams rallied for points, with BYU making a strong comeback after trailing 28-9 in the second half. However, their attempts to close the gap fell just short.
A standout performance came from ASU’s Cam Skattebo, who continued to impress with his exceptional rushing skills, securing three touchdowns throughout the game. The Sun Devils’ solid defense, particularly in critical moments, was key to their success, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike.
In a nod to their commitment to excellence, ASU’s offensive and defensive coordinators, Marcus Arroyo and Brian Ward, received three-year contract extensions prior to the game. This move signals the school administration’s dedication to strengthening the football program amid a successful season.
Looking ahead, Arizona State will conclude the regular season next week with a crucial game against Arizona in the Territorial Cup, while BYU prepares to host Houston.
This weekend’s victory not only underscores ASU’s resilience and potential but also sets them on course for further success in the Big 12. With continued community support and the momentum of recent performances, the Sun Devils are primed to make a significant impact in the conference and beyond.
In summary, Arizona State’s thrilling win over BYU keeps their championship dreams alive while highlighting the team’s growth and determination under pressure. The future looks bright for ASU football as they continue their pursuit of excellence.