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#24 Football to host Houston in Tempe on Saturday

Both teams enter the contest with just one loss in Big 12 action.

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#24 Football to host Houston in Tempe on Saturday#24 Football to host Houston in Tempe on Saturday
Taylor Hansen

TEMPE - Sun Devil Football is set to host its second consecutive contest within the confines of Mountain America Stadium, welcoming the Houston Cougars this Saturday, Oct. 25, in yet another key Big 12 conference tilt.

The contest, scheduled for a 5 p.m. AZT kickoff, will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 (Lowell Galindo, Aaron Murray, Lauren Sisler). 

The game will also be available over the local airwaves in Arizona on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Tim Healey, Jeff Van Raaphorst, Kevin Turner, Jeff Munn). ASU enters the contest ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll and No. 25 in the Coaches Poll. Houston is receiving votes in both.

On the Cougars

  • Arizona State leads the all-time series, 5-4, though the two programs have not squared off since a historic matchup in the Coca-Cola Bowl played in Tokyo. Houston’s David Klinger set a then-NCAA record with 716 passing yards, which stood until 2014, with seven touchdowns in a 62-45 UH win.
  • The Cougars continue a gauntlet of a schedule for ASU. Their first seven opponents have a 29-13 record that is 11th-best among FBS programs. The cumulative 49-28 record of all their opponents is 21st nationally.
  • The Cougars are 6-1 after senior kicker Ethan Sanchez’s second walk-off field goal of the season helped Houston beat Arizona 31-28 on Homecoming. The Cougars have scored 30+ points in consecutive games for the first time since 2023 after scoring 39 against Oklahoma State and 31 against Arizona.
  • Houston is 3-0 on the road this season, the best mark since going 6-0 on the road in the regular season in 2021.
  • Houston QB Conner Weigman averaged 7.0 rushing yards per attempt against Arizona, becoming the first FBS quarterback to rush for 7 yards per carry (14 rush, 98 yards) and throw 3 TD passes against a Power 4 opponent this season. Weigman is the first quarterback to accomplish the feat without an interception since Purdue’s Hudson Card (vs. Indiana, 2023).
  • The Cougar defense has held opponents to just 19.0 points per game, the 27th-fewest allowed per game in FBS.
  • There are two kickers in the FBS that have made four or more field goals in a game twice this season, and both will be on the field Saturday in ASU’s Jesus Gomez and Houston’s Ethan Sanchez.

Kicking off

  • Arizona State’s 10-game winning streak at Mountain America Stadium is the sixth-longest active home winning streak in the FBS entering the weekend and the longest for an ASU team since winning 14-straight from 1980-82. The streak is the sixth-longest home winning streak in program history.
  • ASU now has 33 fourth-down conversions since the start of last year, resulting in 19 touchdowns and four field goals on drives that included one of them. ASU’s 501 fourth-down conversions since 2023, when Kenny Dillingham took the reins, are the seventh-most in the FBS.
  • Under Kenny Dillingham, ASU has 13 games eclipsing 200 rushing yards, going 10-3 in those.
  • Under Kenny Dillingham, ASU is 10-1 when leading after the first quarter and has won 13 straight games when leading at halftime, tied for the longest active streak among current Big 12 teams (West Virginia).
  • The Sun Devils are 11-0 when Sam Leavitt does not throw an interception and 6-0 in games where he both rushes and passes for at least one score each.
  • ASU has won eight games in the last two seasons in contests decided by seven or fewer points, which is the second-most in the FBS in that time behind only Arkansas State (nine). ASU has an 8-1 record in such games.
  • Abney’s 259 snaps in coverage without allowing a touchdown are the fourth-most in the country among corners without giving up a score.

#10Things (X-Friendly Notes)

  1. The Sun Devils have forced 74 missed tackles on running plays this season, which is good for seventh-best in the FBS.
  2. After an uncharacteristic three interceptions in his first two games this year, Sam Leavitt has been flawless on his 143 attempts since then. ASU is 11-0 in games where Leavitt does not throw an interception.
  3. Opponents have just at 46.2 NFL QBR when targeting Keith Abney, second-best among Big 12 corners and 15th among all FBS corners.
  4. Utah’s touchdown at the 11-minute mark Saturday was the first time ASU had allowed a touchdown in the first four minutes of the second half since the Arizona finale in 2023.
  5. ASU has scored on 47.8 percent of its non-garbage time drives that had occurred at any point in the final five minutes of the first or second halves this season (11-of-23), the 25th-best percentage in the FBS. The 11 scoring drives are the fifth-most in the FBS.
  6. ASU has allowed just three touchdown drives in the final four minutes of the first half dating back to 2024 (at CIN last year, at BAY and at UU this year), holding opponents to a 3-for-32 touchdown drive percentage in that stretch (9.4 percent) that is 11th-best in the nation
  7. ASU’s 21 sacks are 13th nationally despite the fact that the team blitzes, despite blitzing just 20.4 percent of the time - the fourth-lowest tally in the country.
  8. Arizona State has five games this season with at least 35:00 time of possession. After posting 37:12 today, it is tied with Army for the most in the FBS.
  9. The Sun Devils are 8-1 in games of seven points or less in the last two seasons, going 5-0 in such games last year and 3-1 thus far this season. Those 8 wins are tied are the second-most in the FBS in that time.
  10. Jordyn Tyson (214) and Malik McLain (200) rank 8th and 12th among all FBS receivers in run-blocking snaps this season and the most among Power Four receivers.

By the numbers

59
ASU has held opponents to 30 points or less in 59 of 88 games since 2018 (67.0%). That total is notable as it DID allow 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4%) in a span from 2013- 17. ASU has accomplished this 25 times in 33 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward. Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 52 occasions over 88 games (59.1 percent of the time). For comparison, ASU accomplished the feat just 24 times in the 65 previous games (36.9 percent) from 2013-2017. The team has achieved the feat 23 times in 33 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward. 

21
The Sun Devils are 13th in the FBS with 21 sacks this season and 26th with 47 tackles for loss. The sack total is especially notable as the team had just 24 total sacks a season ago. This is a marked change in trend from the past couple of seasons, where ASU finished in the lower half of the country in both categories (73rd and 70th in sacks in 2024 and 2023, 83rd and 96th in TFLs). Overall, the team has 67 plays this season that have resulted in a tackle for loss or no gain. ASU has had this success despite blitzing just 20.4 percent of the time, the fourth-lowest total in the country. The team has brought four or fewer pass rushers 225 times this year - the eighth-most in the country.

17
Sam Leavitt has 17 rushes of 10+ yards this season - eighth-most among all FBS quarterbacks. His 395 rush yards (removing quarterback sacks) are the 24th-most among FBS quarterbacks, despite missing a game, while his 283 yards AFTER contact are the 10th-most in the country. 46.3% of Leavitt’s rushes have resulted in a first down or touchdown, the second-highest percentage among FBS QBS (min. 50 attempts). The sophomore is third among FBS quarterbacks with 304 yards on QB scrambles this year, also second in the group with 11.7 yards per scramble (min. 25 scrambles). Leavitt has picked up 78.3% of his scramble yards after contact, fourth-most in the FBS.

16
Jesus Gomez has already surpassed ASU’s total field goals kicked for the entire season a year ago with his 16 made kicks this season - the second-most in the FBS. ASU made 11 field goals in the entirety of last season. His 66 points this season are ninth among all FBS players this season Gomez is fifth among active FBS players with 62 field goals made in his career and eighth in total points scored with 299. He is the first kicker in the FBS this season to make four field goals against a Top-25 or Top-10 team (vs. #7 Texas Tech) and one of just two players in the FBS to have two games with four or more field goals this season. Gomez became just the fifth FBS player since 2015 to make game-winning field goals  in the final two minutes of regulation in back-to-back games (at BAY, vs. TCU) 

13
Arizona State has won 13 straight games when leading at halftime, tied for the longest active streak among current Big 12 teams (West Virginia) and is 10-1 in the Kenny Dillingham era when leading after the first quarter. The Sun Devils have won six games in the past two seasons in which they were trailing or tied at some point in the fourth quarter, including their last three victories over Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech. The Sun Devils are 8-1 in games of seven points or less in the last two seasons, going 5-0 in such games last year and 3-1 thus far this season. Those 8 wins are tied are the second-most in the FBS in that time (behind Arkansas State’s 9). The Sun Devils are 11-0 in contests where Sam Leavitt does not throw an interception in his time here.

0
Keith Abney’s 259 snaps in coverage without allowing a touchdown are the fourth-most in the country among corners without giving up a score. Abney has excelled in man coverage this season, holding opponents to just a 33.3 percent completion rate (6th among Big 12 corners) and a 42.4 NFL QBR when targeted in man (4th in Big 12). His 78.1 grade in man coverage is tops among Big 12 corners and 7th in the FBS (min. 50 snaps in man coverage). Abney has allowed just a 41.9 completion percentage this season overall, second-lowest among Big 12 corners and 18th lowest in the FBS (min. 150 pass coverage snaps), while his 9.6 yards allowed per reception are the eighth-lowest in the league.

An ASU victory would ... 

  • Give ASU its 11th-straight victory at Mountain America Stadium, the longest since a 14-game stretch from 1980-1982. The current 10-game streak is the 10th-longest active one in the FBS.
  • Give the Sun Devils a 6-2 start for the second consecutive season, something not achieved since 2013-14 (6-2 and 7-1 through first eight games)
  • End Houston’s three-game road winning streak, which is tied for the fourth-longest active streak in the FBS.
  • Make the Sun Devils bowl eligible for the second consecutive season and first time going back-to-back since 2017-19.
  • Give ASU a 5-0 record against the State of Texas this season.

Milestone watch

  • Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is 301 receiving yards away from 2,500 career receiving yards (currently at 2,199). Tyson is three touchdown receptions away from 25 career TD catches (currently at 22). Tyson is one total touchdown shy of 25 career total touchdowns (currently at 24; 1 rushing, 1 punt return, 22 receiving).
  • Defensive lineman Justin Wodtly is one game played away from 50 career games played (currently at 49).
  • Linebacker Keyshaun Elliott is three games played away from 50 career games played (currently at 47).
  • Defensive back Myles Rowser is four games played away from 50 career games played (currently at 46). Rowser is now 40 tackles away from 300 career tackle.
  • Defensive lineman Prince Dorbah is two sacks away from 15 career sacks (currently at 13.0).Dorbah is 3.5 tackles for loss away from 25 career TFLs (currently at 21.5).
  • Kicker Jesus Gomez is 1 point shy of 300 career points (currently at 299 career points).
  • Quarterback Sam Leavitt is five total touchdowns away from 50 career total touchdowns (currently at 45 = 35 passing; 10 rushing).

Making the grade (Notable PFF grades)

  • Josh Atkins posted the No. 26 grade on overall offense (73.4) and the No. 13 grade as a run blocker (75.5) among all FBS tackles for Week 8.
  • Montana Warren had the No. 11 overall defensive grade in the Big 12 (81.1 and 14th 14th-best) among all FBS corners for Week 8.
  • The Sun Devils had four defenders in the Top-20 in the Big 12 in tackling grades for Week 8 - Keyshaun Elliott (10th, 83.2), Javan Robinson (13th, 82.8), Keith Abney (16th, 81.0) and Boogie Wilson (19th, 80.6).
  • In fact, Robinson and Abney have been lights out tackling all season, with Robinson seventh among ALL FBS defenders with his 90.0 grade and Abney right behind him in 11th at 89.7. They are second and third among all FBS corners.
  • Abney has the Big 12’s best grade among corners on overall defense (81.3) and in coverage (80.3), rankings 10th and 16th among FBS corners.
  • Jordyn Tyson is the Big 12’s highest-graded wide receiver on overall offense (82.9) and 12th highest-graded WR in the FBS.
  • Raleek Brown is the No. 9 running back in the FBS in overall offense with his grade of 78.2

Last time out — #7 Texas Tech

  • ASU earned its first win over an AP Top-10 team since defeating No. 6 Oregon, 31-28, on Nov. 13, 2019. The Sun Devils have lost six straight in between.
  • ASU handed Texas Tech its first loss of the season after the Red Raiders entered the weekend as one of just 11 teams left in the nation with an unblemished record
  • As a result of Jesus Gomez’ 34-yard field goal with 1:41 to play in the game’s opening quarter, Arizona State not only took a 3-0 lead in the game, but also became the first opponent to take a lead over Texas Tech in a game this season.
  • Texas Tech had won all six of its games by 24 or more points—tied with Baylor in 2015 for the most consecutive wins by 24+ points in Big 12 history—and had not trailed at any point this season.
  • Texas Tech running back and reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week Cameron Dickey was held in check by the Sun Devils after a big game last week in the win over Kansas. He ran for 40 yards on nine carries after going off for 263 yards on 21 carries the previous week.
  • Saturday’s game marked the first time Arizona State had two players with 100-plus receiving yards in the same game since Oct. 29, 2022, when Elijhah Badger (137) and Jalin Conyers (108) accomplished the feat. It was the first time two wide receivers accomplished the feat since Brandon Aiyuk (161) and Frank Darby (125) against Oregon in 2019, coincidentally also the last time the Sun Devils beat a Top-10 team. It was the first time a team has done it against a Top-10 team this season and just the second time it has happened against a Top-25 team (ironically, Mississippi State’s Anthony Evans III, 108 yards; Brennen Thompson, 133 vs. ASU earlier in the year)
  • Entering Saturday’s contest, Texas Tech had outscored opponents 98-3 in the first quarter of games this season - a +95 mark that was best in the country before being held scoreless by the Sun Devils. Texas Tech had also scored on each opening drive this season - one of just three schools to accomplish the feat - before punting on its opening drive tonight. Tech’s 49 first-quarter yards were its fewest in a game this year.
  • ASU moved to 10-1 when leading after the first quarter under Kenny Dillingham. Arizona State has won 13 straight games when leading at halftime, tied for the longest active streak among current Big 12 teams (West Virginia).
  • Texas Tech had not allowed a single point in the third quarter this season - one of just two teams with such a claim (Iowa) - before Jordyn Tyson’s score at the 8:50 mark on Saturday.
  • Texas Tech was averaging 8.0 20+ yard plays per game entering the contest (48 in six games) before being held to just two on Saturday. The 48 such plays were tops in the nation and three more than any other school coming into the weekend.
  • Texas Tech entered the contest second in the FBS in scoring (47.5) and first in the nation in total offense (558.2) before being held to 22 points and 276 yards on Saturday. It was just the fifth time since the 2020 season that Texas Tech managed fewer than 300 yards of offense, and its lowest total since 198 yards against Texas in 2023.
  • ASU held Texas Tech to just 167 passing yards after the Red Raiders had averaged 325.3 passing yards per game entering the weekend, good for third in the FBS

    Six degrees of Sun Devil-ation
  • ASU assistant coach Bryan Carrington coached at Houston from 2015-16
  • ASU S Maurice Williams played for Houston in 2024. Williams and Houston, LS Anthony Saragusa attended Houston Episcopal High School in 2020.
  • ASU OL Josh Atkins attended Houston from 2021-22 but didn’t see any playing time.
  • Houston RB Stacy Sneed and Atkins attended Mansfield Timberview High School.
  • Houston DB Latrell McCutchin played for USC in 2022 alongside ASU DB Xavion Alford and RB Raleek Brown. Brown and McCutchin were also together in 2023.
  • Brown and McCutchin faced Houston coaches Willie Fritz, Derrick Sherman, Josh Christian-Young, Pete Brown, James Ross III, and Slade Nagle when they were at Tulane in the 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic.
  • ASU S Kyndrich Breedlove, Houston OL Cedric Melton, and JACK Brandon Mack II played at Ole Miss from 2021-22.
  • ASU CB Nyland Green and Houston WR Mekhi Mews spent three seasons at Georgia from 2021-23.
  • Houston coaches Jordy Joseph, Chris Couch, Willie Fritz, and Slade Nagle faced ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward in the 2020 Idaho Potato Bowl. Ward was with Nevada, while the others were with Tulane.
  • ASU DL Justin Wodtly and TE Chamon Metayer were coached by Houston defensive ends/OLBs coach James Ross III at Cincinnati in 2022.
  • In 2020, Houston defensive line coach Oscar Giles coached ASU DL Prince Dorbah and Alford at Texas.

    Veteran presence
  • The Sun Devils return 16 players who started at least six games a year ago in 2025. The 16 returning starters were tied for the most of the FBS teams heading into this season. The total is notable as the Sun Devils had the second-most newcomers in the FBS (78) in 2022 and the ninth-most in 2023 (60). Arizona State had 17 returning starters combined entering the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
  • Eight Sun Devils started all 14 games last year, and seven returned. C.J. Fite, Josh Atkins, Ben Coleman, Max Iheanachor, Javan Robinson, Myles “Ghost” Rowser and Keith Abney II were 14-game starters. Center and second-team Walter Camp All-American Leif Fautanu is the only 14-game starter who doesn’t return in 2025.
  • The Sun Devils have 23 players in their final year of eligibility, the 20th-highest tally among all FBS schools this season.
  • The Sun Devil offensive line entered the 2025 season with 134 starts to its collective credit across the FBS/FCS level, good for the 12th-highest total in the nation coming into the year.
  • Arizona State has six returnees from the 2024 All Big 12 Team returning next year, led by wide receiver and first team honoree Jordyn Tyson (Offensive Newcomer of the Year), second team honoree Sam Leavitt (Offensive Freshman of the Year), defensive back Xavion Alford (first), tight end Chamon Metayer (second), defensive lineman C.J. Fite (second) and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (second).

    Air Jordyn
  • Jordyn Tyson has recorded a touchdown in eight consecutive games dating back to last season (all seven this season and the Arizona game last year before missing the postseason with an injury). That is the longest active streak in the FBS, and it also tied for the third-longest streak for an ASU player since 1996, behind Marion Grice (10) and Cam Marshall (9).
  • Tyson’s eight receiving touchdowns this season are tied for the second-most in the FBS, and the nine total touchdowns (8 receiving, one rushing) are 13th in the FBS. He is 11th in the country with 89.7 receiving yards per game (11th with 728 total receiving yards) and third with 8.14 receptions per game.
  • Since the start of last season, Tyson has been second among all receivers in receiving yards (1,729) and receiving touchdowns (18), despite not playing in ASU’s Big 12 Championship or College Football Playoff games. 
  • Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is the only player ahead of Tyson in those two categories (1,917 yards and 22 touchdowns), but it should be noted that Smith has done so in four more games of action than Tyson in that time. Tyson’s 91.0 yards per game since the start of last year leads all active players.
  • Tyson’s 85 receiving first downs in that stretch are the most in the country.
  • Nine of Tyson’s 22 career touchdown receptions have come in the final five minutes of either the first or second halves (with 10 total touchdowns in that criteria, with a late punt return TD against ASU in 2022). Those nine touchdown receptions are the fourth-most of any FBS player in the last decade (since 2015) behind only SMU’s James Proche (14), LSU’s Kyren Lacy (10), and Alabama’s Devonta Smith (10).
  • Tyson has recorded 10 touchdowns in the fourth quarter of games in his career (9 receiving, one punt return) - the most among active FBS players. It is the 10th-most of any player in the last decade (in FBS games played only).
  • Tyson’s 34 receiving first downs/touchdowns (59.6 percent on 57 catches) this season are tied for first in the FBS. His 252 yards after the catch are 28th in the FBS.
  • Tyson has succeeded despite facing press coverage on 116 of his 277 receiving snaps this season, the second-highest total in the FBS. His 434 yards out of press coverage are sixth-most in the FBS, as are his five touchdowns. His 23 first downs/touchdowns are third.
  • Tyson has been nigh-uncoverable in man coverage this season, putting up an 89.5 grade on man coverage this season - the second-highest grade among all FBS players (min. 50 man coverage snaps). His 87 snaps against man are the ninth-most in the FBS.
  • Facing man, Tyson has caught 23 - most in the FBS - of his 41 targets for 250 yards (fourth in the FBS). He has five touchdowns and 15 receiving 1st downs/touchdowns against man-first and second in the FBS, respectively.
  • Tyson has been targeted on 47.1 percent of his receiving snaps this season - the third-highest ratio in the FBS.
  • Tyson is the first Sun Devil with 8+ receiving TDs through the team’s first seven games since Derek Hagan in 2004 (also 8).

    Agent Zero
  • Tyson has emphasized wide receivers coach Hines Ward’s “No Block, No Rock” mantra as he was fifth among FBS receivers with 298 run-blocking snaps last season before his injury. This year, his 189 run block snaps are 7th among FBS receivers and the tops among Power Four receivers.
  • Tyson now has 100 or more receiving yards against two Top-25 teams this season (No. 7 Texas Tech and No. 25 TCU ). He is one of just two players to record 100+ yards against two Top-25 teams this season (Louisville’s Chris Bell).
  • Tyson (who wears No. 0) became the first Sun Devil to be named a Preseason First AP All-American entering this season. He was also named a Walter Camp Preseason All-American, and recognized on the Maxwell Award Awatch List, the Biletnikoff Award Watch List and a First Team Preseason All Big-12 selection.
  • Tyson earned Third-Team Associated Press All-American honors last year and is one of 16 returners from those teams in 2025. He is one of five returning AP All Americans returning on offense, along with center Jake Slaughter (Florida), wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Eric Rivers (Florida International) and tackle Spencer Fano (Utah).
  • Tyson has now eclipsed 2,000 yards in his NCAA career, checking in at 2,199 yards between his time at ASU and Colorado - tied for the 10th-highest total among active players at the FBS level and the most career receiving yards of any player that has played in 35 games or less. He averages 4.97 catches per game, the fourth-highest total among active FBS players. He is fourth among active players at the FBS level in receiving touchdowns (22) and one of only two players (Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith) with 22+ receiving touchdowns in 31 games or fewer.
  • Tyson has nine games in which he has eclipsed the century mark in receiving since becoming a Sun Devil. ASU is 6-0 when Tyson catches a touchdown and has over 100 yards in his time at ASU.
  • Tyson had a breakout season in 2024, with 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns before getting injured in the second half of the Nov. 30 Arizona game and missing the postseason. He has five games of 100 yards, including 12 catches for 176 yards and two touchdowns at Kansas State on Nov. 16.
  • His efforts earned him Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
  • The ten touchdowns last season tied him for sixth all-time in Sun Devil history, one of just 11 Sun Devils total to reach double digits in a season, and the most since Jaelen Strong had 10 in 2014.

    Take it or Leavitt
  • Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt has six career games with at least one passing and one rushing score, and the Sun Devils are 6-0 in those games.
  • Leavitt has led three game-winning drives (go-ahead score in the final minute of the game/regulation) - tied for the fourth-most among active players.
  • Leavitt’s nine passing touchdowns in the fourth quarter are the eighth-most among active QBs over the last two seasons. He has been sacked just four times in the fourth quarter, the 12th-least among FBS QBs in the previous two seasons. His 92.8 NFL QBR is 24th among that group.
  • He has six career games with 300+ yards of total offense. This season, he averages 272.7 yards of total offense per game, good for 33rd in the FBS.
  • Leavitt has six career games with 150+ passing yards and 50+ rushing yards. That ranks him in the Top-10 among all FBS quarterbacks in the last two seasons, achieving that feat.
  • After three uncharacteristic interceptions in his first two games this year, Leavitt has been flawless in his 143 attempts over his last four games. ASU is 11-0 in games where Leavitt does not throw an interception.
  • Leavitt has set his receivers up for success, finding open players and hitting dudes in stride. 55.9% of his yards came after the catch, which ranks 27th among FBS quarterbacks. That tally was 58.6% last season, good for third nationally.
  • Leavitt has 17 rushes of 10+ yards this season, eighth-most among all FBS quarterbacks.
  • His 395 rush yards (removing quarterback sacks) are the 24th-most among FBS quarterbacks, despite missing a game, while his 283 yards after contact are the 10th-most in the country.
  • Three percent of Leavitt’s rushes have resulted in a first down or touchdown, the second-highest percentage among FBS QBS (min. 50 attempts).
  • The sophomore is third among FBS quarterbacks with 304 yards on QB scrambles this year, also second in the group with 11.7 yards per scramble (min. 25 scrambles).
  • Leavitt has picked up 78.3 percent of his scramble yards after contact, fourth-most in the FBS. Leavitt’s 81.2 rushing grade on plays with a QB pressure is fourth-most among all FBS quarterbacks.
  • Leavitt has recorded a 78.4 NFL QB rating grade when pressured this season, good for 31st in the country, and his 66.8 overall offensive grade while pressured is ninth among FBS quarterbacks.

    When the Leavitt Breaks
  • Sam Leavitt is 11-1 in Big 12 games as the starting quarterback and has won 16 of 19 career games as a starter.
  • Leavitt was just the ninth Big 12 quarterback to win 15 of his first 18 starts since the 2003 season, joining an illustrious list that includes: Spencer Rattler, Baker Mayfield, Bryce Petty, Collin Klein, Brandon Weeden, Todd Reesing, Sam Bradford and Vince Young.
  • Leavitt recorded his first career game with two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns against NAU in the opener. In doing so, it was just the third time since 1997 that a Sun Devil quarterback accomplished the feat with Taylor Kelly doing it twice in 2013. That game remains one of just 11 instances this season where a QB rushed for at least two touchdowns while throwing for at least two touchdowns.
  • Leavitt finished his first year in Tempe as the school record holder for total offense by a freshman with 3,328 yards and second in program history in passing yards by a freshman at 2,885. The 3,328 total yards of offense with eighth in ASU season history.
  • He was named the Big 12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year.
  • Leavitt was the nation’s second-highest graded freshman player (true or redshirt with 400 snaps) on either side of the football by PFF (88.9), behind only Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith (89.8).
  • His 88.9 grade for the season is the eighth-best among all FBS freshman quarterbacks in the PFF era since 2015 (min. 400 snaps played). Of the seven players ahead of him, six started an NFL game last season (Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, C.J. Stroud and Spencer Rattler). His grade was higher than the freshman year grades of NFL starting quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Daniel Jones, Jordan Love, Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels. The grade was good for 12th among all FBS quarterbacks in 2024
  • Leavitt had eight passes for 50+ yards last year, most in Big 12 and tied for second most in the FBS for the season, only ASU player this century to have more in one season was Jayden Daniels in 2019.
  • Among players with at least 300 dropbacks, Leavitt tied for third in the FBS with just five turnover-worthy throws on the season, according to Pro Football Focus.
  • His six interceptions were tied for sixth-fewest in the FBS among those with at least 300 dropbacks.
  • He was one of just four with 20+ touchdowns (24) with six or fewer interceptions (six) and turnover-worthy throws (5) (min. 300 dropbacks).
  • Only 20 of his passes were broken, good for the 20th-lowest total in the FBS. His four passes batted at the line of scrimmage is tied for 25th-lowest in the FBS (min. 300 dropbacks).
  • Leavitt showed his ability to keep his composure under pressure, with 708 passing yards while pressured—good for 19th nationally despite missing a game. His 7.8 yards per attempt while under pressure were 12th-best in the country. His five under-pressure touchdowns were 20th.
  • His 74.8 NFL QBR while under pressure was 30th in the nation. He picked up a first down with his arm 41 times on 143 pressures - 13th-most in the FBS.
  • Leavitt rushed for 435 yards on 51 scrambles last year, good for the second-most among quarterbacks in the FBS. He picked up a first down or touchdown on 47.1% of those QB scrambles, good for 11th among FBS quarterbacks (min 25 scrambles). He had the nation’s sixth-best rushing grade when scrambling at 76.4. His 79.1 overall rushing grade was 18th among FBS quarterbacks.
  • Leavitt became the first ASU quarterback to have six games in a season with three or more touchdown passes (6) since Mike Berocovici in 2015 (6). The six games were tied for second-most this century behind only Andrew Walter’s seven in 2004. The last Big 12 freshman to have that many performances in a season was Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford in 2007 (eight).
  • Leavitt thrice earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week and also earned the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Week honor following the K-State contest.
  • He was the first Sun Devil to post three consecutive games with three touchdown passes and no picks since Jayden Daniels did it three times in 2019.

    Sprung a Leek
  • Raleek Brown has had the opportunity to show Sun Devil fans how electric he can be while healthy this season. He is currently second in the Big 12 and 19th nationally with 91.7 rushing yards per game and 17th in the FBS with 642 total yards.
  • Brown is the FBS’ 27th-highest running back on rushing plays this season (83.9) and the third-highest in the Big 12. His 78.2 overall offensive grade is ninth among all FBS running backs.
  • His 5.84 yards per carry are third in the league, and his 121.00 all-purpose yards per game are 18th in the FBS and second in the conference.
  • The elusive back has forced 38 missed tackles on the year on run plays, the sixth-most among FBS players.
  • His 20 runs of 10 or more yards this season are 14th among FBS players.
  • Brown’s 24 receptions this season are tied for sixth among FBS running backs, and his 196 yards after the catch (including yards out of the backfield) are 14th among backs.
  • Brown’s 12.0 yards per carry (144 yards on 12 carries) against Texas State were the fourth-most for an ASU running back who has cleared 125 rushing yards since the 1996 season. He is the only player at that time to reach 140 rushing yards on 12 or fewer carries.
  • His 75-yard touchdown run was the longest run AND touchdown run for an ASU player AT HOME since Kalen Ballage vs. Texas Tech in 2016.

    Finish them
  • Arizona State has won 13 straight games when leading at halftime, tied for the longest active streak among current Big 12 teams (West Virginia).
  • The Sun Devils have won six games in the past two seasons in which they were trailing or tied at some point in the fourth quarter, including their last three victories over Baylor, TCU and Texas Tech.
  • ASU has scored on 47.8 percent of its non-garbage time drives that had occurred at any point in the final five minutes of the first or second halves this season (11-of-23), the 25th-best percentage in the FBS. The 11 scoring drives are the fifth-most in the FBS.
  • Removing garbage time, ASU’s 42.9 score percentage in the final five minutes of a half (27-of-63) since last season is 27th in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils were exceptional in closing out halves last season, scoring 17 touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first or second halves, a tally good for fifth in the FBS.
  • The team has a 33-24 advantage in the “middle eight” of games this year, giving it a 120-43 advantage since the start of last season in this category (last four minutes of first half, first four minutes of second half). ASU outscored opponents 87-16 in this category last season.
  • The Sun Devils' 31.4% (11-of-35) offensive touchdown drive rate in the final four minutes of the second quarter, dating back to the start of last season, is the 22nd-best percentage in the nation (omits a pick-six against UCF the previous year). The 11 touchdowns are the 12th-most in the FBS in that time.
  • Conversely, ASU has allowed just three touchdown drives in the final four minutes of the first half dating back to 2024 (at Cincinnati last year, at Baylor and at Utah this year) and held opponents to a 3-for-32 touchdown drive percentage in that stretch (9.4 percent) that is 11th-best in the nation (drives that end at any point in the final four minutes of the half).
  • Utah’s touchdown at the exact 11:00 mark in the third quarter this season marked the first time ASU allowed a touchdown in the first four minutes of a second half in the last season-plus.

    Keep them in front of you 
  • ASU has allowed just 23 plays over 50 yards to opponents since the 2018 season over 87 games - tied for second-fewest in the FBS in that time behind only Washington (20). The FBS average in that span is 48.15 such plays. ASU ranked in the bottom 10 nationally in 50+ yards played allowed each year from 2014-17, giving up a nation-leading 55 such plays in that span - 13 more than any other school in the FBS.
  • ASU has allowed just 11 total 50+ yard plays in the Dillingham/Ward era.
  • Since 2018, ASU has allowed just 15 catches for 50 or more yards, tied for the third-lowest number in the FBS (Washington, 11/Penn State, 12).
  • The team has allowed just eight in the Dillingham/Ward era.
  • The Sun Devils allowed just 12 plays over 30 yards last season, tied for the third-lowest total in the country. ASU allowed just 22 plays over 30 yards in 2023, which was 35th in the FBS. ASU has allowed 10 such plays this year, tied for the 39th-lowest total in the FBS.
  • The 47 total plays allowed of 30+ yards in two-plus seasons under defensive coordinator Brian Ward are tied for the 13th-lowest total in the FBS.
  • Since 2018, ASU has allowed 133 total 30-plus yard plays (1.5 per game/87 games). That is the fourth-lowest tally in the FBS in that time. (Kennesaw State excluded as they joined the FBS after 2018). For perspective, from 2014-17, ASU gave up 38, 44, 40, 40 such plays each SEASON, respectively ranked 116th, 124th, 117th and 119th. 

    Playing the field
  • The Sun Devils' average starting yardage is 30.3 this season (vs. FBS teams, non-garbage time possessions), which is 30th in the FBS. Unfortunately, the team is allowing opponents an average start of 30.8 yards, 115th-worst in the FBS.
  • ASU’s average starting field position last year was its own 29.4-yard line while holding opponents to a starting average of their own 28.4-yard line. ASU’s average starting field position in 2023 was its own 25.3-yard line compared to opponents' starting on their own 34.8. The -9.5 net field position yards ranked ASU dead last in the country (133 of 133), a discrepancy that the Sun Devils cut down by 8 yards last year (+1.0) and ranked 62nd nationally.
  • The field position battle was one ASU frequently lost in 2023, but showed marked improvement in 2024. ASU had 12.8% of its offensive drives start inside its 20-yard line last year, the ninth-lowest tally nationally compared to 21.9 percent of the team’s drives in 2023, 105th in the FBS.
  • ASU is 40th thus far this season in picking up 53.2 percent of its available yards, compared to a 43.5 mark for opponents, a 9.6% net difference that is 38th in the FBS. The Sun Devils ranked 6th nationally in picking up 60.0% of the yards available on offense last year while limiting opponents to picking up just 45.2% of theirs. The net 14.8% difference was the 13th-best total in the FBS. 
  • ASU currently ranks 28th, with 53.3% of its drives ending with a touchdown or field goal attempt, a net 15.0% difference compared to the opponents that rank 28th in the country (*against FBS competition only).
  • Reaching its own 40-yard line has been the key for the ASU offense this season. On drives where the Sun Devils start within 39 yards of its own end zone but reach the 40-yard line, the Sun Devils score a touchdown or record a field goal attempt 74.4% of the time, 13th-best nationally.
  • Last season, 54.1% of Sun Devil offensive drives resulted in ASU scoring a touchdown or getting in range for a field goal attempt - good for 11th nationally. Only 40.7% of such opponent drives did the same, a net +13.4 percent difference that was the 21st-best in the nation. ASU ranked dead last (133rd) in the category in 2023 with a net -29.0% tally as only 28% of its drives resulted in a touchdown or field goal attempt (124th) compared to a 57% success rate for opponents (132nd).
  • The Sun Devils averaged 3.03 points per drive last season, which is good for 12th nationally, while allowing just 1.99 points per drive on defense, 43rd in the country. The net +1.04 points per drive over opponents’ advantage was 14th in the country. In 2023, ASU was 130th nationally with a net -1.54 points per drive with the offense scoring just 1.40 points per drive (122nd) while allowing opponents to post 2.95 points per drive (123rd) - the latter compared to a 2.15 mark this 58th season.

    Abney Road
  • Keith Abney has been exceptional this season for the Sun Devil secondary. The junior is currently the highest graded corner on overall defense for the season in the Big 12 (81.3) and the 10th-highest graded corner in the FBS. His 80.3 grade in coverage is also tops among Big 12 corners and 16th among FBS corners. His 89.7 tackling grade is second among Big 12 corners, third among FBS corners, and 11th among all FBS defenders, regardless of position.
  • Abney has excelled in man coverage this season, holding opponents to just a 33.3 percent completion rate (6th among Big 12 corners) and a 42.4 NFL QBR when targeted in man (4th in Big 12). His 78.1 grade in man coverage is tops among Big 12 corners and 7th in the FBS (min. 50 snaps in man coverage).
  • Abney has allowed just a 41.9 completion percentage this season overall, second-lowest among Big 12 corners and 18th lowest in the FBS (min. 150 pass coverage snaps). His 9.6 yards allowed per reception are the eighth-lowest in the league. He has been credited with just two completions allowed over 15 yards this season, tied for seventh-fewest in the league.
  • Abney’s 259 snaps in coverage without allowing a touchdown are the fourth-most in the country among corners without giving up a score.
  • Opponents have just at 46.2 NFL QBR when targeting Abney, second-best among Big 12 corners and 15th among all FBS corners.
  • He has allowed just a 16.3 first down/touchdown percentage, which is fourth among league corners.
  • He is second among Big 12 corners with seven forced incompletions this year. Abney’s 11 forced incompletions last season (according to PFF) were the fourth-most among all Big 12 players.
  • After giving up two touchdowns in the first four games of the year, Abney was credited with just two allowed over the final 10 games of the season. He was targeted just once and did not allow a completion on 35 passing plays in a pivotal win over BYU late in the season.

    No-fly zone
  • ASU currently ranks sixth in the FBS with 41 passes defended this year (36 PBUs, 5 INT). The Sun Devils were 16th in the nation with 69 passes defended last season and 14th with 16 interceptions.
  • ASU’s exceptional work in harrying opposing quarterbacks is due in large part to ASU’s coverage down the field. The Sun Devils have an average time to force pressure of 2.67 seconds, the 7th-longest time to hurry a quarterback in the FBS, a credit to ASU’s secondary, given Arizona State’s gaudy sack and pressure numbers.
  • Javan Robinson and Keith Abney have not been credited with a missed tackle on a pass play this season - two of just eight Big 12 corners to lay such a claim. The duo rank second and third among all FBS corners with their tackling grades of 90.0 and 89.7, respectively, and seventh and 11th among all FBS defenders.
  • Last season, Robinson was not credited with a touchdown allowed in ASU’s six-game winning streak at the end of the year, and opponents had just a 68.3 NFL rating against him in that stretch, which was the 10th-lowest in the Big-12.
  • Boogie Wilson has quietly been a rock on the back end of ASU’s defense after filling in for starter X Alford in Week 3. Wilson is tied for fifth among all Big 12 secondaries with just six receptions allowed (min. 150 coverage snaps) this season.
  • Opponents have thrown Wilson’s way just 11 times, tied for the fourth-lowest total among Big 12 secondary players.
  • Since 2018, the Sun Devil secondary has allowed just 43 total passing plays over 40 yards—the sixth-fewest in the FBS in that time. For perspective, it had 12 alone in 2017, 22 in 2016 and 24 in 2015, the latter two ranking second and last, respectively, in the nation. 

    Hold the line
  • The Sun Devils are 13th in the FBS with 21 sacks this season and 26th with 47 tackles for loss. The sack total is especially notable as the team had just 24 total sacks a season ago.
  • This is a marked change in trend from the past couple of seasons, where ASU finished in the lower half of the country in both categories (73rd and 70th in sacks in 2024 and 2023, 83rd and 96th in TFLs).
  • Overall, the team has 67 plays this season, resulting in a tackle for loss or no gain.
  • ASU has had this success despite blitzing just 20.4 percent of the time, the fourth-lowest total in the country. The team has brought four or fewer pass rushers 225 times this year, the eighth-most in the country.
  • ASU has allowed an average of just 5.07 yards per play this season, which is good for 38th in the country. Opponents averaged just 5.23 yards per play in 2024 - 40th-lowest in the country after being 93rd at 5.95 in 2023. Only 22.2 percent of opponent plays gained seven or more yards, the 23rd-lowest tally in the country after ranking 105th in 2023 at 35.1 percent.

    In the trenches
  • Prince Dorbah’s -0.17 average tackle depth on run plays this season is the best among Big 12 linemen, while Clayton Smith’s 0.33 mark is third (min. 75 run defense plays). Dorbah’s mark is 19th among ALL FBS linemen, while Smith is tied for 39th.
  • Smith is seventh among the Big 12 linemen, with 20 quarterback pressures this season, and so are his 15 quarterback hurries.
  • Prince Dorbah’s 79.2 grade as a pass rusher is sixth among Big 12 linemen (min. 100 pass rush snaps).
  • Dorbah’s 4.0 tackles for loss in the TCU victory are tied for the second-most for any FBS player this season, and he is the only Big 12 player to do so.
  • He was the first Big 12 player with 4.0 tackles for loss in a game since Amier Washington (TTU) in their 2023 bowl game and the first Big 12 player to do it against a conference opponent since Felix Anudike-Uzomah (KSU) against TCU on Oct. 30, 2021 (also 4.0).
  • PFF labeled him as the highest graded defender in the country for the week with a 95.2 overall defensive mark (min. 25 snaps). It is the fifth-best single-week grade for any defensive player in the FBS this season.

    Where's the beef?
  • The Sun Devil offensive line entered the 2025 season with 134 starts to its collective credit across the FBS/FCS level, good for the 12th highest total in the nation coming into the year. Last year the group entered with a combined 156 career starts spread amongst them entering the 2024 season, the fifth-highest tally in the country.
  • The experienced group did its part last year in protecting its quarterback and also paving the way for its rushers as the squad was one of the more improved lines in the country.
  • Overall, in 2025, ASU has a team pass blocking grade of 73.8 according to PFF, good for 32nd in the FBS.
  • The team has given quarterbacks 3.35 seconds to throw per play this year, 23rd-most nationally. ASU’s quarterbacks had an average time to throw of 3.51 seconds last season, good for 14th-best in the FBS after ranking 128th in the country in 2023 at 2.48 seconds.
  • ASU’s 2.55 seconds before allowing pressure are among the Top-50 in the FBS. Last year, the group was 33rd nationally with an average of 2.57 seconds before allowing a QB pressure. ASU was 117th in 2023 with a 2.37 mark before giving up a QB pressure.
  • Sam Leavitt had less than 2.50 seconds to throw the ball on just 43.2 percent of his dropbacks this season, the 21st-lowest total in the FBS. That mark was 46.6 percent of his dropbacks last season, the 35th-lowest tally in the FBS (out of 94 QBs with at least 50 percent of their team’s dropbacks). For perspective, in 2023, Trenton Bourguet had less than 2.50 seconds to throw the ball 65.9 percent of the time - the second-most of any quarterback in the FBS.
  • Max Iheanachor (8) ranks 16th and 31st among right tackles in the FBS in fewest pressures allowed. This season, Iheanachor’s 79.9 pass blocking grade is seventh among all FBS right tackles (min. 200 pass block snaps).
  • ASU’s offensive linemen received an 82.0 pass blocking grade from PFF last season, the 23rd-best tally nationally.
  • ASU ranked 40th in the country in allowing only 1.50 sacks per game last season after ranking 96th in 2023 with 2.50 allowed per game. 

    Middle of the lineup
  • With the Sun Devils utilizing a 4-2-5 lineup on defense, the two linebackers on the field at any given time can easily get lost in the grand scheme of things, but that room has been an exception for the Sun Devils this season.
  • Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook lead the team with 54 and 49 tackles, representing 24.3% of the overall non-special teams tackles (103 of 423) this season.
  • Crook ranks sixth among Big 12 linebackers on run defense with an 82.3 grade. His 12.4 run-stop percentage (16 defensive “stops” on 129 run defense plays) is third in the Big 12 among linebackers and 25th in the FBS, while Elliott is eighth in the league at 10.4%
  • This season, his nine tackles for loss or no gain on run plays are second in the Big 12 among linebackers and fourth in the FBS.
  • Elliott’s 257 career tackles are the 16th-most among active FBS players.
  • Crook was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after the Texas State game, after he stuffed the stat sheet during a 12-tackle performance, credited with 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His 12 tackles were the second-most in the Big 12 this week and fifth among all linebackers in the country. According to PFF, he made first contact on a play nine times, the second-highest total in the Big 12 and tied for 14th-most in the country.
  • The 3.5 tackles for loss were the most by a Sun Devil since Tyler Johnson had 3.5 against Stanford on Oct. 8, 2021.

    Getting defensive
  • The Sun Devils are giving up just 327.6 yards per game this season, which is good for 36th in the FBS. ASU allowed just 339.6 yards per game last season, good for 38th nationally after ranking 89th in 2023 (396.8).
  • ASU’s yardage tally is especially notable as the team has faced FIVE teams that are currently ranked in the FBS’s Top 35 in total offense yards per game.
  • ASU has avoided letting teams get going when pinned deep. Opponents score just .30 points per drive on drives starting inside their own 20-yard line against ASU, the 16th-lowest total nationally.
  • ASU’s -0.093 EPA per play this season ranks 22nd in the FBS. Last year, ASU’s defense ranked 21st in overall defensive EPA at -0.070. The team’s +0.160 net EPA between offense and defense was 12th nationally.
  • Only 79.2% of opponent drives that have reached the ASU red zone this season have resulted in points for the opponent, the 35th-lowest tally in the FBS.
  • ASU is currently allowing opponents to pick up just 43.5% of the yards available to them, which is good for 40th in the FBS. The team allowed offenses to pick up just 45.2 of their available yards last season, the 48th-lowest total nationally. ASU was 124th in the country in 2023, allowing 56.3% of available yards.
  • Opponents are picking up just 56.2% of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line this season, the 14th-lowest total in the country - and just 52.1% of the yards to the ASU 40, which is 21st. Last season, ASU was much improved in keeping opponents from getting across the 50, allowing other teams to pick up just 67.6 percent of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line, the 62nd-lowest total in the FBS, while also allowing only 58.5% of opponent yards up to the ASU 40 - 51st nationally. ASU ranked 121st and 126th in those categories in 2023.
  • Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or fewer mark for total offensive yards on 52 occasions over 88 games (59.1 percent of the time). For comparison, ASU accomplished the feat 24 times in the 65 previous games (36.9 percent) from 2013-2017. The team has achieved the feat 23 times in 33 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward.
  • ASU has held opponents to 30 points or less in 59 of 88 games since 2018 (67.0 percent). This is notable as it allowed 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4 percent) from 2013- 17. ASU has accomplished this 25 times in 33 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward.
  • ASU has held its five of its six opponents after the opener to fewer points than they were averaging per game coming into the contest (Miss St. 24/34.0, Texas State 15/47.5, Baylor 24/38.0, TCU 24/41.7, TTU 22/47.5)) ASU was 11 for 14 in holding opponents under their season scoring average last year, following the season opener: Mississippi State (23/56.0), Texas State (28/41.5), Texas Tech (30/44.7), Utah (19/28.3), Cincinnati (24/31.0), Oklahoma State (21/30.5), UCF (31/33.2) Kansas State (14/31.2), BYU (21/31.6), Arizona (7/23.1), Iowa State (19/31.2).
  • The Sun Devils have faced four teams that entered the contest averaging over 500.0 yards of total offense per game and held those teams to an average of 301.25 yards (Texas State/Baylor/TCU/Texas Tech).

Gold rush

  • ASU enters the weekend ranked 42nd in the country, averaging 185.9 rushing yards per game. The Sun Devils ranked 20th in the FBS, averaging 199.9 rushing yards per game last year.
  • The team has rushed for 200 or more yards 13 times under Kenny Dillingham, compiling a 10-3 record when it does.
  • ASU is posting a first down or touchdown when it rushes the ball 29.6 percent of the time this year, which is good for 37th nationally. ASU averaged a rushing first down or touchdown 31.0 percent of the time in 2024, good for 23rd nationally.
  • The team ranks 45th this season, averaging 3.3 yards after contact per rush. The rushing backs were exceptionally efficient in punishing opponents last year, earning 3.6 yards after contact per rush - 21st in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils have forced 74 missed tackles on running plays this year, which is good for seventh in the FBS. ASU forced 177 missed tackles on run plays last season, second-most in the FBS and were tied for third in the FBS in averaging 0.31 missed tackles forced per running play.
  • Since the start of 2023, ASU has received a team rushing grade of 95.9 from PFF, which is good for seventh-best nationally.
  • The team’s 0.29 missed tackles forced per rush since 2023 are second in the FBS. The team averaged 3.3 yards per rush after contact, then tied for 24th in the FBS. The team’s 30.6 first down/touchdown percentage since 2023 is 26th in the FBS.
  • ASU has rushed for 100+ yards in 24 of the team’s 33 games under Kenny Dillingham.
  • The Sun Devils have produced a 1,000-yard rusher 10 times in the last 14 seasons, with the lone exception being the shortened 2020 season. For comparison, from 1976 to 2010, ASU had just eight 1,000-yard rushers over 34 years.

But also no rush

  • ASU ranks 27th nationally, allowing just 110.9 rush yards per game this season.
  • The Sun Devils held opponents to just 112.9 rushing yards per game last year, the 21st-best total in the country and tops in the Big 12. That came despite ASU playing four of the Top-15 teams in the nation last season in rushing offense (5. UCF/11. Kansas State/13. Kansas/15. Texas State). No other team in the Top-30 faced more than two such opponents in the regular season. ASU was 36th in the FBS, allowing just 133.5 rush yards per game to opponents in 2023.
  • Since defensive coordinator Brian Ward took over in 2023, there have been 16 instances in 33 games in which an opponent was held under the century mark on the ground. Between the 2018-2022 season, it happened 13 times in 55 games. The 16 games are tied for the ninth-most in the nation since 2023.
  • ASU has held six of its last 11 opponents, dating back to last season, who were under 100 rushing yards.

    A hand in the cookie jar
  • The Sun Devils have 10 takeaways this season (five interceptions, five fumble recoveries) and a .86 turnover margin that is 14th in the country.
  • The Sun Devils had 23 takeaways last season (16 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries), good for 23rd nationally after the program finished with only eight takeaways in 2023. The team ranked 6th in the FBS and tops in the Big 12 with a +1.00 turnover margin per game.
  • ASU has outscored opponents 1013-561 in points off takeaways since 2012 - 36-0 this season and 77-21 last season.
  • Arizona State is one of just five FBS teams this season that have yet to allow any points off turnovers (Connecticut, Miami-FL, San Diego State, Temple).
  • Conversely, the Sun Devils have not committed multiple turnovers in 27 games under coach Kenny Dillingham, tied with Michigan and Ohio State for seventh-most in the FBS since 2023.
  • The Sun Devils were 129th in the nation in turnover margin in 2023 at -11, improving that mark to +14 last year and the No. 6 mark in the country. The 25-turnover swing was the largest turnaround by any team in the FBS this season, the 5th-best in the last 10 years and the 25th-best of any program since the 1996 season.

    Sweet baby Jesus
  • Sun Devil Football kicker Jesus Gomez has already surpassed ASU’s total field goals kicked for the entire season a year ago with his 16 made kicks this season - the second-most in the FBS. ASU made 11 field goals in the entirety of last season.
  • His 66 points this season are ninth among all FBS players.
  • Gomez is fifth among active FBS players with 62 field goals made in his career and eighth in total points scored with 299.
  • He is the first kicker in the FBS this season to make four field goals against a Top-25 or Top-10 team (vs. #7 Texas Tech) and one of just two players in the FBS to have two games with four or more field goals this season.
  • Gomez became just the fifth FBS player since 2015 to make game-winning field goals in the final two minutes of regulation in back-to-back games and the first Big 12 player since Oklahoma State’s Ben Grogan in 2015 with his field goals at Baylor and vs. TCU. He is the first to accomplish the feat since Kent State’s Matthew Tricket in November of 2023.
  • Gomez played hero in Arizona State’s dramatic 27-24 road win over Baylor. Gomez drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired, clinching a victory in ASU’s Big 12 Conference opener.
  • The Sun Devils needed all four of Gomez’s made field goals as he set a new personal career-best mark for a single game. Gomez’s four field goals were the most by a Sun Devil since Carter Brown had four against NAU on Sept. 1, 2022. It was his seventh career game in which he had made three or more field goals.
  • Gomez’s game-winner was ASU’s first walk-off field goal since Sept. 18, 2018, when Brandon Ruiz hit a 28-yarder to knock off Michigan State.
  • It was the first walk-off field goal on the road by a Sun Devil kicker in regulation since at least 1964.
  • He is one of only nine kickers to make four field goals in a game this season, which is tied for the third-most in a contest in the FBS this year.

    Time and time again
  • Arizona State has five games this season with at least 35:00 time of possession, tied with Army for the most in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils moved to 11-6 under Dillingham when leading in time of possession compared to a 6-8 mark when they don’t.
  • ASU has controlled the ball for over 33 minutes in 12 of its last 21 games. It had reached the 33-minute mark just 12 times in its previous 54 games dating back to 2019.

    Kenny the Giant Slayer
  • Kenny Dillingham won his sixth game against an AP Top-25 team in the last two seasons and moved to 6-6 in his career in such games with the victory over #7 Texas Tech.
  • He is the only active coach in the Big 12 with at least a .500 record against ranked opponents.
  • The Sun Devils have won six-straight games over Big 12 teams ranked in the Top-25 (2-0 this season), which is tied for the sixth-longest streak in Big 12 history.
  • ASU’s 6-1 record against Top-25 teams since the start of last year is tied for the second best in the FBS with Alabama, behind only Ohio State (8-1)

    Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils 

Arizona State University and Sun Devil Athletics have announced a multi-year naming rights partnership with Mountain America Credit Union in 2023, which will form one of the most dynamic naming rights deals in college athletics.

The 15-year partnership with Sun Devil Athletics, the most crucial deal in athletics department history, includes ASU’s football stadium, which will now be called Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils.

Both Mountain America and ASU are committed to giving back to the community. This partnership will provide support to the community and student-athletes in a variety of ways.

  • Football Field Goals: Mountain America will donate $250 to the Sun Devil Club for every field goal made to enhance ASU’s student-athlete experience.
  • Shoe Donation Program: ASU and Mountain America will develop a shoe donation program, providing brand-new shoes to needy community members. 
  • Scholarships: Each year, Mountain America will provide $20,000 to ASU student-athletes, with $10,000 going to women’s sports and $10,000 to men’s sports.
  •  Financial Education Programs: Mountain America will offer special student-athlete financial education programs, including personal coaching sessions.
  • Internship Program: Mountain America will also provide an internship program for student-athletes to help students develop the skills and experience needed for future endeavors.

    Smart Devils

ASU will compete with 16 young men this season who have already earned their undergraduate degrees: