Sam Leavitt threw three touchdown passes, including two to receiver Jordyn Tyson, as Arizona State managed to hold off UCF for a 35-31 victory on Saturday.
The game featured a dramatic five lead changes, with the Sun Devils (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) taking charge late in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Leavitt to Tyson, which put them ahead with just 4:55 remaining.
Arizona State was without star running back Cam Skattebo, who was unable to play due to a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, UCF’s RJ Harvey had a standout performance with 127 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Despite his efforts, the Knights (4-6, 2-5) could not convert on a crucial fourth-and-2 attempt with 3:18 left to play and did not regain possession until just five seconds remained, where they could only muster a short completion as time expired.
In a thrilling end to the first half, Arizona State scored twice in mere seconds, taking a 21-17 lead at halftime. They first found the end zone with 56 seconds left in the half as Leavitt connected with Chamon Metayer for a 4-yard touchdown, narrowing UCF’s lead to 17-14.
Tyson ended the game with 99 receiving yards on seven receptions, while Leavitt completed 16 of 25 passes for 161 yards and added 22 rushing yards on 11 carries.
The game’s turning point came when UCF’s Christian Peterson opted to run a kickoff out of the end zone but was tackled at the 1-yard line. Moments later, L.T. Welch intercepted a pass from quarterback Dylan Rizk and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Sun Devils a four-point edge just before halftime.
Earlier in the game, Arizona State scored a touchdown after Martell Hughes blocked a punt, leading to a 46-yard touchdown return by Montana Warren.
UCF controlled much of the first half, holding the ball for 19 minutes and gaining 227 yards to Arizona State’s 103. Rizk had a strong start, completing all eight of his passes on the initial drive, culminating in an 8-yard touchdown run by Harvey.
The Knights added another first-half score with backup quarterback Jacurri Brown, who rushed for a 6-yard touchdown with 4:56 left in the second quarter.
Though Skattebo, who has accumulated over 1,000 rushing yards this season, was sidelined, Harvey stepped in effectively as he continues to rank among the nation’s rushing leaders.
Kyson Brown took on Skattebo’s role, rushing 18 times for 73 yards.
Rizk, in only his second career start, went 24 for 34 with 229 passing yards. He is the fourth quarterback to lead the Knights this year, stepping in after a recent victory over Arizona.
Looking ahead, UCF needs to secure wins in their final two games to have a shot at bowl eligibility, while Arizona State’s narrow victory may enhance their standing as they received votes in the AP Poll last week.
Next, UCF will have a bye week before heading to West Virginia on November 23, while Arizona State will face No. 22 Kansas State on Saturday.