TEMPE, AZ – In a tense and hard-fought battle under the Saturday afternoon sun, Arizona State edged out BYU 28-23 to secure a crucial road victory. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance on offense, defense, and special teams. But in the end, it was ASU’s timely plays — including a critical onside kick recovery — that made the difference, leaving the Cougars just short in their comeback bid.

Strong Start and Offensive Firepower

Arizona State came out strong, setting the tone early with an explosive first half. Quarterback Sam Leavitt delivered an efficient performance, completing 16 of 25 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown. His poise and accuracy were key, especially with the Sun Devils missing key offensive players. Cam Skattebo was a workhorse in the backfield, rushing 28 times for 147 yards and three touchdowns, including a crucial 23-yard run that capped ASU’s first touchdown of the game.

BYU wasn’t far behind, with Jake Retzlaff putting together a solid outing, throwing for 297 yards on 22-of-38 passing. Retzlaff connected with several different receivers, including Darius Lassiter and Chase Roberts, who both had big catches. Retzlaff’s lone touchdown pass went to Jojo Phillips for 21 yards in the third quarter, pulling BYU to within striking distance after ASU had built a lead.

Cam Skattebo: Dominant on the Ground in ASU’s Win

Cam Skattebo delivered an exceptional performance, serving as the backbone of Arizona State’s offense in their 28-23 victory over BYU. The junior running back was a constant threat on the ground, finishing with 28 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns, making him the game’s standout player.

Skattebo’s ability to consistently churn out yards was critical for ASU throughout the game. His 5.3 yards per carry helped the Sun Devils dominate time of possession, while his three touchdowns were instrumental in putting points on the board and maintaining the lead. His longest run of the day was a 23-yard rush, showcasing his burst and ability to find open space when needed.

More importantly, Skattebo was a key factor in ASU’s control of the game’s tempo. He repeatedly converted on short-yardage situations, picking up first downs and moving the chains, which allowed the Sun Devils to drain the clock and keep BYU’s offense off the field.

Skattebo’s physicality and vision were on full display, as he fought for extra yardage after contact and kept BYU’s defenders on their heels. With such a heavy workload, his performance was a major factor in ASU’s ability to wear down the Cougars and secure a crucial win on the road.

Interceptions, Sacks, and Key Stops Seal the Win for ASU

Arizona State’s defense came up big when it mattered most, delivering key plays that kept BYU’s high-powered offense at bay throughout the game. The Sun Devils were relentless in their pursuit, and their timely interceptions, solid pressure on the quarterback, and ability to limit big plays were instrumental in securing the 28-23 victory.

One of the defining moments came in the fourth quarter, when ASU’s defense intercepted Jake Retzlaff twice, both of which were crucial in stifling BYU’s comeback efforts. The first came with just over a minute left in the game, when Javan Robinson intercepted a pass intended for Chase Roberts. Robinson’s 64-yard return set the Sun Devils up with excellent field position at the BYU 7-yard line, forcing the Cougars to rely on a desperation effort in their final possession. The second interception, also by Robinson, came at the same point in the game, again preventing BYU from making any significant progress.

In addition to the interceptions, ASU’s defensive line was effective in disrupting Retzlaff’s rhythm. The Sun Devils recorded four sacks in the game, with contributions from multiple players, ensuring that BYU’s passing attack was constantly under pressure. While the sacks were spread out among the defense, they were effective in forcing Retzlaff to make hurried throws, leading to inaccurate passes and turnovers.

ASU also executed solid containment on BYU’s running game, limiting the Cougars to just 94 yards on the ground. With BYU’s offense struggling to gain consistent yardage through both the air and on the ground, the Sun Devils were able to control the tempo and prevent big plays.

Overall, Arizona State’s defense stepped up in a big way, with key interceptions, sacks, and effective run defense that kept BYU from mounting a successful comeback. The defense’s ability to stifle BYU in critical moments was a significant factor in the Sun Devils’ victory.

Crucial Onside Kick Recovery Shifts Momentum in First Half

One of the most pivotal moments of the game came late in the first half when Arizona State successfully executed an onside kick recovery. With just 34 seconds remaining before halftime, Arizona State lined up for the kick after a touchdown to cut BYU’s lead to 21-13.

In a risky but well-timed move, ASU kicker Will Ferrin sent the ball bouncing toward the sideline, and it was perfectly executed to catch the BYU return unit off guard. The Sun Devils’ special teams unit pounced on the loose ball, recovering it at the BYU 49-yard line.

This critical play gave ASU a chance to quickly drive down the field before the break, with momentum squarely on their side. While the ensuing drive didn’t result in a touchdown, it set up a field goal attempt, which further fueled ASU’s comeback charge. The onside kick recovery proved to be a game-changer, giving Arizona State an unexpected boost and helping them narrow the score to 21-16 at halftime.

Dramatic 4th Quarter Hold by Arizona State Secures the Win

The fourth quarter of this game was nothing short of thrilling, with both teams battling it out in a tense final stretch. Arizona State, clinging to a slim lead, was determined to hold off a fierce BYU comeback.

After a strong defensive stand early in the quarter, which included a critical interception by Javan Robinson, Arizona State’s defense set the tone. Robinson’s pick, which came at the 1:04 mark, was a game-changing play. He returned the ball 64 yards to the BYU 7-yard line, giving his team an excellent chance to increase their lead. However, the Sun Devils’ offense struggled to capitalize, with ASU failing to score after a series of short runs and penalties.

Still, Arizona State’s defense continued to shine. With the game winding down, BYU’s final attempts to push forward were thwarted by a series of key stops. In particular, a crucial sack from the Sun Devils’ defense at 0:30, which pushed BYU back 10 yards, seemed to drain any remaining momentum from the Cougars. BYU was unable to recover from the loss of yardage, and they were forced to try and make a play with limited time.

ASU’s defense stood firm once more, with the Cougars unable to convert on a final 4th-and-goal attempt at the 49-yard line with just one second left. Jake Retzlaff’s pass fell incomplete, and Arizona State sealed the victory, 28-23.

The defensive resilience of Arizona State in the fourth quarter was critical. Not only did they manage to stifle BYU’s offensive attempts, but they also took advantage of key turnovers to maintain the lead and keep the Cougars at bay, ultimately securing the win.t.

Key Performances: ASU’s Ground Game and BYU’s Passing Attack

On the ground, ASU’s Cam Skattebo was the star, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and finding the end zone three times. His 23-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was a perfect example of his ability to find holes in the defense and break away from tacklers. Kyson Brown added a bit of flair to the running game, though his contribution was limited to just 10 yards on five carries.

BYU’s rushing attack, led by LJ Martin and Keelan Marion, was effective but not as dominant. Martin rushed for 42 yards on nine carries, while Marion found the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, but the BYU offense ultimately relied more on the arm of Jake Retzlaff to make up ground.

In the passing game, Retzlaff connected with Darius Lassiter (five catches for 103 yards) and Chase Roberts (five catches for 59 yards) for substantial gains, but the Cougars couldn’t convert when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Sam Leavitt for ASU was efficient, throwing for 247 yards on 16 completions, and Jordyn Tyson emerged as a key target, recording nine catches for 125 yards.

Defensive Plays and Penalties Impact the Outcome

Both teams had their fair share of mistakes, but penalties were a major theme throughout the game. Arizona State was flagged for multiple delay-of-game penalties at critical junctures, which pushed them back and made their attempts to run out the clock more challenging. Nonetheless, the Sun Devils’ defense bent but didn’t break, with Javan Robinson making a huge interception in the fourth quarter to halt BYU’s comeback hopes.

BYU’s defense also stepped up in the final minutes, with Isaiah Glasker and Tyler Batty anchoring the defensive line. Despite some late struggles, the Cougars held ASU to just three points in the second half, keeping them in the game until the final whistle.

ASU’s Resilience Prevails

Ultimately, Arizona State’s combination of solid rushing, timely passing, and clutch special teams play secured the win. The onside kick recovery late in the game was the turning point that helped ASU run out the clock, and while BYU showed plenty of heart and resilience, they couldn’t overcome the critical mistakes and missed opportunities.

For Arizona State, this victory will be remembered for its composure and the ability to execute in critical moments. BYU, despite the loss, showed they could compete against a tough opponent, but will have to regroup after a heartbreaking defeat.

With the 28-23 win, ASU improves to 5-5 on the season, keeping their bowl hopes alive, while BYU drops to 5-4, now facing an uphill battle in their own quest for postseason play.

A Crucial Win Boosts ASU’s Big 12 Championship Hopes Heading into the Territorial Cup

With their 28-23 victory over BYU, Arizona State has put itself in a prime position to compete for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game. This win, which showcased strong performances on both sides of the ball, has greatly increased ASU’s chances of making it to the conference’s title game.

Coming into the matchup with BYU, Arizona State needed a victory to keep its championship hopes alive. The Sun Devils now find themselves with a significant boost in their standings, and their fate is firmly in their hands as they head into their final regular-season game against their in-state rivals, the University of Arizona.

The upcoming Territorial Cup is set to be a pivotal showdown. Arizona State’s win over BYU means that a win against the Wildcats will not only give them bragging rights in the fierce rivalry but also position them well for a chance at the Big 12 Championship. The Sun Devils control their own destiny, and with their solid defense and the breakout performance from Cam Skattebo in the running game, they are poised to finish the season strong.

A win over the University of Arizona would not only secure their spot in the championship race but would also mark a major step toward the program’s resurgence in the Big 12. With everything on the line in the Territorial Cup, ASU’s players and fans alike are ready for the challenge, knowing that their next victory could propel them into the biggest game of the season.