STILLWATER, OK – Arizona State football clinched its first Big 12 road victory, defeating Oklahoma State 42-21 in a game marked by a 2-hour, 39-minute weather delay. Through the chaos, ASU’s first-year players and star performers secured 28 unanswered points, making ASU bowl-eligible for the first time since 2021.
Head Coach Kenny Dillingham celebrated the milestone and praised his team’s grit. “This team got bowl eligible. This team has four games left. They’re playing with house money now,” he said, acknowledging ASU’s resilience.
Offensive Standouts: Leavitt and Skattebo Lead the Way
Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt returned to the field after a rib injury, leading ASU’s high-powered offense. Completing 20 of 29 passes, Leavitt tallied a career-high 304 yards and three touchdowns. His poise in the pocket and skill under pressure helped ASU convert on 12 of 18 third and fourth downs, keeping their drives alive.
“He balled out,” Coach Dillingham said simply. “One of the craziest little scrambles…and that was one of the most impressive plays I’ve seen.”
Leavitt’s connection with key targets was crucial. Redshirt sophomore Jordyn Tyson, with eight catches for 81 yards, scored the game’s first touchdown. Tight end Chamon Metayer added five catches for 53 yards, finding openings as a reliable target. Summing up the team’s progress, Leavitt noted, “It’s just everybody getting more confident in the plays…understanding who we are as a team.”
Meanwhile, running back Cam Skattebo added explosive momentum, totaling 274 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His hard-hitting style helped wear down Oklahoma State’s defense and pushed him over the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season.
Defense Takes Control Against Oklahoma State
ASU’s defense held strong, especially after the delay, limiting Oklahoma State’s star running back Ollie Gordon II to a season-low 26 yards. ASU’s defensive line kept the pressure on, and lineman Jacob Kongaika added a key tackle for loss. Junior linebacker Jordan Crook also contributed with three tackles.
Junior defensive back Laterrence Welch was a standout in the secondary, breaking up four passes—more than any ASU player has in a single game this season. “You want to see guys that put in the work like that succeed,” Coach Dillingham noted about Welch’s performance. Redshirt sophomore Javan Robinson, back from a shoulder injury, also contributed with an interception and three solo tackles. Safety Myles Rowser, the team’s leading tackler this season, added four solo stops, crediting his impact to ASU’s defensive scheme, saying, “Really just our [Defensive Coordinator] putting me in positions to do what I do.”
Special Teams Adjustments Prove Effective
ASU’s special teams saw a few changes this game, with graduate kicker Parker Lewis stepping in for field goals and extra points. Though he missed a 47-yard field goal attempt, Lewis converted all six of his extra points. Freshman punter Kanyon Floyd averaged 40.8 yards per punt, with a long of 48 yards, helping maintain field position for ASU’s defense.
Dillingham Emphasizes ASU’s Growth and Culture Shift
With ASU’s bowl eligibility now secured, Coach Dillingham reflected on the team’s growth, especially among newcomers. “The leadership council, the guys who chose to be here…have changed the culture of this program in 22 months,” he noted, applauding his players’ effort and mindset.
ASU’s strong conference performance keeps them in contention for a potential Big 12 championship game. Looking forward, Dillingham called for fans to rally behind this dynamic squad, saying, “They deserve it. They’ve earned the right to take that field with a sold-out crowd.”
The Sun Devils now return home to face UCF, with their recent win and bowl eligibility fueling momentum for the weeks ahead.
