SAN MARCOS, Texas — Sam Leavitt threw for a touchdown and ran for another, leading Arizona State to rally twice and secure a gritty 31-28 victory over Texas State on Thursday night.
Cam Skattebo punched in two short rushing touchdowns, while the Sun Devils’ defense forced two pivotal turnovers in the fourth quarter. The first turnover, a fumble recovery, set up Ian Hershey’s go-ahead field goal with 6:29 remaining, sealing the win for Arizona State.
The Sun Devils, now 3-0, head into their inaugural Big 12 matchup next week against Texas Tech. Last season, Arizona State stumbled to a 3-9 record.
“Best thing in the world,” said Sun Devils defensive back Shamari Simmons, who forced the key fourth-quarter fumble. “I’m in the clouds right now.”
Leavitt connected with Jordyn Tyson on a 52-yard touchdown pass, then followed it up with a 7-yard touchdown run, erasing a 21-7 second-quarter deficit. The quarterback, making his first road start since transferring from Michigan State, threw for 246 yards.
“We responded really well with two quick touchdowns that got us back in the game,” Leavitt said.
Making Plays When It Matters
Skattebo, who rumbled for 262 yards the previous week against Mississippi State, was largely contained by a staunch Texas State defense. However, he came through when it mattered, scoring a 2-yard touchdown in the third quarter to tie the game at 28-28. Skattebo finished the night with 62 yards on 24 carries and secured a crucial first down that allowed Arizona State to drain much of the final two minutes.
“When the game mattered the most, the best players made plays,” said Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham. “Very good for our football team to win that game.”
For Texas State (2-1), quarterback Jordan McCloud threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to Jaden Williams. But McCloud’s late interception following Arizona State’s fourth-quarter go-ahead score ended the Bobcats’ hopes.
The Takeaway
Arizona State: The dominant ground game that shredded Mississippi State last week struggled to gain traction against Texas State’s defensive front. Leavitt, however, delivered crucial runs, including a 40-yard scramble that set up a game-tying touchdown in the third quarter. With bigger, tougher Big 12 opponents ahead, the Sun Devils will need to find answers up front.
Texas State: The Bobcats will lament missing out on a potential second victory over a Big 12 opponent in as many years, and a shot at another marquee win on national television. G.J. Kinne’s second-year program, seeking a breakthrough, already made a splash by defeating Baylor last season en route to its first-ever bowl game victory.
“I hate it for the kids that we weren’t able to get that win, but I think we performed well,” Kinne said. “I think we earned a lot of respect around the country tonight.”
Texas Footprint
Arizona State named four Texans as game captains, emphasizing its connections in the Lone Star State. As new members of the Big 12, the Sun Devils will make frequent trips to Texas.
“The Texas guys on the roster, coming home, we brought it,” said Tyson, a native of Allen, Texas.
“We recruit Texas,” Dillingham added. “Texas is definitely a footprint for us because we play games here.”
Final Play
The game appeared over when Leavitt took a knee on fourth down, prompting both teams to shake hands and head to the locker room. However, after a video review, officials determined 1 second remained on the clock. Texas State completed a short pass, but a lateral attempt was fumbled and recovered by Arizona State.
Kenny Dillingham was fired up about the clock management and referees at the end of the game:
Up Next
Arizona State: Faces Texas Tech on Sept. 21 in the Sun Devils’ first-ever Big 12 game.
