TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State University fans witnessed an exhilarating finish when their team narrowly defeated No. 14 BYU 28-23 on Saturday. Cam Skattebo emerged as a standout performer, rushing for 147 yards and scoring three touchdowns, rewarded with enthusiastic celebrations alongside the vibrant student body.
The Sun Devils, ranked 21st, secured their victory after a tense final minute that featured a confusion-filled premature storming of the field by the fans. The excitement began to unfold after an interception by Javan Robinson with just over a minute left. However, a stalled offensive drive followed, resulting in a fourth-down play where quarterback Sam Leavitt threw the ball out of bounds, prompting the crowd to believe the game had concluded.
Contrary to the fans’ belief, officials clarified that one second remained on the clock, allowing BYU a chance at a Hail Mary from their own 49-yard line. Despite BYU head coach Kalani Sitake’s pleas for a penalty that would have moved the ball closer, officials maintained their ruling, emphasizing that the game should not be defined by that moment.
“This game didn’t come down to that… It was the 59 minutes and 59 seconds before,” Sitake stated, reflecting on the broader context of the game. Although the loss was emotional for BYU, it highlighted the competitive spirit on both sides with no injuries reported.
With this victory, Arizona State climbs to 9-2 overall and 6-2 in the Big 12, strengthening their position in the College Football Playoff conversation. Meanwhile, BYU’s two-game losing streak has likely extinguished their own playoff hopes.
The Sun Devils showcased an impressive performance throughout, starting strong with a defensive stop and building momentum with an aggressive offensive strategy. Skattebo’s efforts in particular shone through as he led the team both on the ground and in inspirational leadership, demonstrating resilience during the game’s pivotal moments.
As fans reflect on the excitement of this nail-biting game, Arizona State showcases a promising trajectory, hinting at a hopeful future as they continue to elevate their performance in the season’s closing stretch.
Summary: Arizona State defeated BYU in a thrilling 28-23 matchup, led by Cam Skattebo’s impressive rushing performance and strong team defense. The game featured a controversial field storming by Arizona State fans, resulting from a misunderstanding of the clock that still allowed BYU a final attempt at a Hail Mary. With this victory, the Sun Devils remain in contention for a playoff spot while BYU’s hopes fade after their second consecutive loss.