TEMPE, Ariz. — In an intense matchup, Cam Skattebo shone for Arizona State, rushing for 147 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Quarterback Sam Leavitt contributed significantly by throwing for 247 yards and one touchdown, leading the No. 21 Sun Devils to a narrow 28-23 victory over No. 14 BYU on Saturday.

The game concluded with a dramatic finale that saw a premature celebration by Arizona State fans storming the field. With just over a minute remaining, an interception by Javan Robinson seemed to secure the win for the Sun Devils, yet they faltered on the following drive, with Leavitt being unable to convert a fourth down by throwing the ball out of bounds. This mistake prompted confused fans to rush the field, assuming the game was over.

However, referees confirmed that one second remained on the clock, granting BYU one final opportunity for a Hail Mary pass. It took some time to clear the field of fans before Jake Retzlaff’s long pass attempt ultimately fell incomplete just shy of the end zone.

The victory enhanced Arizona State’s record to 9-2, including 6-2 in the Big 12, and marks their fourth consecutive win. They are now edging into discussions regarding the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, BYU’s record fell to 9-2, also at 6-2, suffering their second consecutive loss and likely diminishing their CFP aspirations.

Arizona State built a substantial lead, reaching 28-9 after Leavitt connected with a wide-open Xavier Guillory for a 61-yard touchdown with 2:06 remaining in the third quarter. However, BYU quickly responded, narrowing the gap to 28-17 when Retzlaff found Jojo Phillips for a 21-yard touchdown just over 90 seconds later.

After stopping Arizona State’s offense, the Cougars scored again with a 1-yard touchdown run from Keelan Marion at the 8:44 mark in the fourth quarter. However, their attempt at a 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 28-23.

Retzlaff had a strong performance, throwing for 297 yards and one touchdown but was hindered by two crucial interceptions throughout the game. Arizona State initiated their strong start with a defensive stand on fourth-and-5 and then embarked on a punishing 10-play, 54-yard drive, which ended with Skattebo’s 3-yard run into the end zone. Skattebo was a major contributor from the outset, gaining 44 yards on the first drive alone.

In the second quarter, Arizona State continued rolling with a remarkable 12-play, 95-yard drive—the longest touchdown drive of the season—culminating in Skattebo’s 4-yard touchdown run, which extended their lead to 14-0.

Staying aggressive, the Sun Devils executed a perfect onside kick which was recovered by Plas Johnson. Just six plays later, Skattebo dashed for his third touchdown of the first half on a 23-yard run.

The Takeaway:

For BYU, it has been a disappointing stretch, especially considering their strong position in the Big 12 earlier this month. Arizona State, on the other hand, is enjoying an unexpected rise, bolstered by the impressive performances of Skattebo and Leavitt and a strong defense.

Poll Implications:

With this victory, Arizona State is likely to move ahead of BYU in the polls; the extent of their jump remains uncertain. Though the Sun Devils still find themselves on the periphery of CFP contention, optimism is brewing within their ranks.

Next Games:

BYU will face Houston at home next Saturday, while Arizona State will travel to take on Arizona the same day.