In a stunning display of grit and determination, Arizona State football marched into Manhattan, Kansas, and left with a monumental 24-14 victory over No. 20 Kansas State. The Sun Devils (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) not only solidified their resurgence under first-year head coach Kenny Dillingham but also kept their hopes for a Big 12 Championship berth alive.
This was no fluke. Despite being picked to finish last in the conference, ASU showcased resilience, capitalizing on three Kansas State turnovers and maintaining composure in a raucous Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Fast Start Fuels Victory
The Sun Devils wasted no time setting the tone. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson threw an interception on the second play of the game, and ASU’s Xavion Alford returned it to set up a touchdown drive capped by a Sam Leavitt-to-Jordyn Tyson connection.
Moments later, a fourth-down stop by the ASU defense gave the offense another short field, and Leavitt struck again with a 30-yard touchdown to Tyson. By the second quarter, the Sun Devils were up 21-0, silencing the sellout crowd and forcing Kansas State into desperation mode.
“Momentum is a real thing,” said Alford. “We wanted to come in here and make it our place.”
Kansas State Errors, ASU Execution
Kansas State (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) struggled mightily, with turnovers and special teams gaffes proving fatal. A fumble, an overthrown wide-open pass, and botched field-goal attempts marred any chance of a comeback for the Wildcats.
Meanwhile, ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt put together a stellar performance, throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 30 more. Tyson was electric, hauling in 12 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns.
“Props to our defense for creating takeaways and putting us in a situation where we didn’t have to go the length of the field,” Leavitt said.
Even when Kansas State mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to 24-14 with back-to-back scores in the third quarter, ASU’s discipline and clock management stifled their momentum.
Dillingham’s Culture Shift
The win was a testament to Dillingham’s leadership. Once mired in controversy and mediocrity, the Sun Devils are now a disciplined, opportunistic team thriving in high-pressure moments.
“We’re big on clock management. We’re big on winning the details of the game,” Dillingham said. “When you talk about winning against good football teams, you have to talk about winning the margins.”
The Road Ahead
The victory sets up a pivotal clash with No. 7 BYU at home. A win against the Cougars could vault the Sun Devils into the Big 12 Championship Game discussion, a feat that seemed improbable just months ago.
Kansas State, meanwhile, has seen its title hopes dashed after two consecutive losses.
For Arizona State, the improbable dream continues. “Everybody keeps saying, ‘Oh, there’s a reason they’re winning and it’s not because they’re good,’” Dillingham said. “I think they responded.”
Key Stats:
- Sam Leavitt: 21-of-34 passing, 275 yards, 3 TDs
- Jordyn Tyson: 12 catches, 176 yards, 2 TDs
- Cam Skattebo: 73 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards
- ASU Defense: 3 turnovers forced
Arizona State is writing one of the most compelling stories in college football. With just three games left, the Sun Devils are proving they belong among the elite.
