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Football set for final road game of regular season

The Sun Devils will look for their third consecutive win this weekend as the team heads to Boulder to take on Colorado.

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Football set for final road game of regular seasonFootball set for final road game of regular season
Sun Devil Athletics

TEMPE - Sun Devil Football hits the road for the final time in the regular season as it heads to the mountains and former Pac-12 rival Colorado on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Folsom Field in Boulder. Scheduled for an 6 p.m. AZT (and  local) kickoff, the contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 (Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison, Dawn Davenport). 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).

ON THE BUFFS/ROAD GAMES

  • The Sun Devils lead the all-time series in results on the field, 10-4, though it should be noted that ASU would later vacate its 2021 and 2022 victories over Colorado so the official record stands at 8-4.
  • The Buffs got the better of ASU in a late comeback victory in Tempe in 2023. The Sun Devils won the last contest in Boulder in a 42-34 victory.
  • Colorado’s 3-7 record this season doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story with the Buffs losing three one-score games (and a fourth against TCU that was a one score contest until 19 seconds left in the game).
  • Colorado’s opponents played this season are 59-32 for a .648 winning percentage that is eighth best in college football. In similar vein, ASU’s opponents are 60-34 for a .638 percentage that is 13th best in the FBS. The two teams rank first and third in toughest schedules in the Big 12 (Iowa State, .641)
  • One of the more drastic age differences between starting quarterbacks in college football could occur on Saturday if Colorado rolls out freshman JuJu Lewis, who was born on September 21, 2007 (just turning 18 within the last two months) compared to 23-year-old sixth-year senior Jeff Sims (born January 1, 2002).

KICKING OFF

  • ASU  has 35 fourth down conversions since the start of last year, resulting in 20 touchdowns and four field goals on drives that included one of them. ASU’s 53 fourth-down conversions since 2023 when Kenny Dillingham took the reins are the ninth-most in the FBS. Arizona State has gone for it on fourth down 101 times under Dillingham, the sixth-most in the FBS.
  • ASU is 10-1 when leading after the first quarter under Kenny Dillingham and has won 15 straight games when leading at halftime.
  • The Sun Devils have scored 45 points while trailing in non-garbage time in the fourth quarter of games - 13th most in the FBS - and has scored on 8-of-14 fourth quarter drives when trailing this season, a 57.1 conversion rate that is 17th-best in the FBS. Those eight scoring drives are tied for fifth-most in the FBS.
  • Since the start of last season, ASU has scored on 15-of-26 fourth quarter drives while trailing in non-garbage time - a 57.7 rate that is seventh nationally while the 15 total scoring drives are ninth.
  • Keith Abney is one of just 29 FBS corners with 250+ snaps played in coverage and no touchdowns credited against him. His 363 snaps in coverage without allowing a touchdown are the third-most in the country among corners without giving up a score.
  • Out of 199 FBS corners with at least 250 coverage snaps played, only 29 have not been credited directly with a touchdown allowed - two of which are Abney and Kyndrich Breedlove of ASU, which join Indiana and San Diego State as the only other school with multiple players in that exclusive group.
  • Jeff Sims’ 154.50 rush yards per game for the month of November is fifth-most among all FBS players and tops among quarterbacks. His 309 total rushing yards is tops among FBS quarterbacks for the month and 15th among all players - though 10 players ahead of him have done so in three games compared to Sims’ two.
  • Sims is one of just three Power Four quarterbacks (Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, Arkansas’ Taylen Green) to post 175+ passing yards and 75+ rushing yards in consecutive games against Power Four opponents this season.

#10THINGS (Twitter-Friendly Notes)

  • The Sun Devil defense deserves credit for its part in ASU’s late rallies, posting a -.213 EPA when trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons that is 15th best nationally
  • When trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons, ASU has turned the ball over just once in its comeback attempts - on the final drive at Mississippi State this season - which is tied for the fourth-lowest total in the FB
  • Opponents have just six first downs (6-of-35 plays) in the fourth quarter of non-garbage time games when leading over ASU - a 17.1 conversion rate that is 17th-worst in the FBS.
  • Out of 199 FBS corners with at least 250 coverage snaps played, only 29 have not been credited directly with a touchdown allowed - two of which are Abney and Kyndrich Breedlove of ASU.
  • Opponents have scored on just 5-of-17 drives after an OFFENSIVE turnover against the Sun Devils in the last two seasons, a 29.4 conversion percentage that is sixth-lowest in the FBS.
  • ASU has scored on 41.2 percent of its non-garbage time drives that have finished at any point in the final five minutes of the first or second halves this season (14-of-34). The 14 scoring drives are 12th-most in the FBS.
  • Since the start of last season, ASU has scored on 15-of-26 fourth quarter drives while trailing in non-garbage time - a 57.7 rate that is seventh nationally while the 15 total scoring drives are ninth.
  • Jeff Sims is one of just three Power Four quarterbacks (Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, Arkansas’ Taylen Green) to post 175+ passing yards and 75+ rushing yards in consecutive games against Power Four opponents this season.
  • The Sun Devils are 10-1 over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points - the most such victories in the FBS.
  • Opponents are averaging just 3.0 yards per play when ASU is trailing in the fourth quarter in non-garbage time - the 12th-lowest tally in the FBS.

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 62  - ASU has held opponents to 30 points or less in 62 of 91 games since 2018 (68.1 percent). That total is notable as it DID allow 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4 percent) in a span from 2013- 17. ASU has accomplished this 28 times in 36 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward. Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 54 occasions over 91 games (59.3 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 accomplished the feat 25 times in 36 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward.
  • 45 - The Sun Devils have scored 45 points while trailing in non-garbage time in the fourth quarter of games - 13th-most in the FBS - and has scored on 8-of-14 fourth quarter drives when trailing this season, a 57.1 conversion rate that is 17th-best in the FBS. Those eight scoring drives are tied for fifth-most in the FBS.  Since the start of last season, ASU has scored on 15-of-26 fourth quarter drives while trailing in non-garbage time - a 57.7 rate that is seventh nationally while the 15 total scoring drives are ninth.  When trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons, ASU has turned the ball over just once in its comeback attempts - on the final drive at Mississippi State this season - which is tied for the fourth-lowest total in the FBS. ASU’s .203 EPA in those scenarios is 13th best.
  • 35 - Overall, opponents are managing just a 35.0 percent conversion rate on third downs against the ASU defense this season - the 36th-lowest mark in the country.  That current rate is the lowest since ASU posted a 33.5 percent mark on third down defense in 2010 and is the ninth-best overall tally for a Sun Devil defense since the 1996 season. This season is the first time ASU has held two opponents for two or fewer third down conversions on ten or more attempts since the 2010 season (doing so against NAU and Iowa State). On offense, the team’s 11 third OR fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games are 11th in the FBS. The Sun Devils have five fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games this season - tied for the third-most in the FBS.
  • 10 - Arizona State is 10-1 over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points - the most such victories in the FBS. ASU’s 10 such victories in a two-year span are tied for the most over a two-season span in Big 12 history and tied for the eighth-most for any FBS team since the 1996 season.  ASU’s 10-1 record over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points is the fourth-best win percentage in such games over a two-year stretch (90.9) by an FBS team since the 1996 season (min. 10 such games). Arizona State has trailed at some point in the fourth quarter in four of its seven victories this season and in seven games total over the last two seasons. Jesus Gomez has kicked a game-winning field goal in the final three minutes of regulation in three victories this season.
  • 1 - Jeff Sims posted his second-straight game with at least 175 passing yards (207) and 75 rushing yards (81) in the WVU win, becoming the first Sun Devil since at least 1996 to accomplish the feat in consecutive games.  Sims’ 154.50 rushing yards per game for the month of November are the fifth-most among all FBS players and tops among quarterbacks. His 309 total rushing yards in November rank first among FBS quarterbacks for the month and 15th among all players - though it should be noted 10 players ahead of him have done so in three games compared to Sims’ two.  Sims is one of just three Power Four quarterbacks (Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, Arkansas’ Taylen Green) to post 175+ passing yards and 75+ rushing yards in consecutive games against Power Four opponents this season.
  • 0 - Keith Abney is one of just 29 FBS corners with 250+ snaps played in coverage and no touchdowns credited against him. His 363 snaps in coverage without allowing a touchdown are the third-most in the country among corners without giving up a score.Despite being the nation’s fourth-most targeted corner (67 targets, just one of the FBS lead), Abney has allowed just a 40.3 completion percentage this season overall,  lowest among Big 12 corners and ninth lowest in the FBS (min. 250 pass coverage snaps).Abney is allowing just 4.4 yards per TARGET this season (not reception), which is 10th-lowest among FBS corners.

AN ASU VICTORY WOULD...

  • Give ASU consecutive eight win seasons for the first time since 2013-14.
  • Keep the Sun Devils mathematically alive in the hunt for a spot in Big 12 Championship Game
  • Give ASU a winning record in road games in consecutive seasons (3-2 in 2025 and 4-2 in 2024) for the first time since 2013 and 2014 (3-2 and 4-2). It would be just the fourth time accomplishing the feat in consecutive years since joining a Power Conference in 1978 (1981-82, 1996-97, 2013-14)

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 back Myles Rowser is one game played away from 50 career games played (currently at 49). Rowser is also 19 tackles away from 300 career tackles (currently at 281).
  • 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).
  • Jeff Sims needs 147 rushing yards (currently at 1853) to reach 2,000 career rushing yards. In doing so he would become just the 44th quarterback since 1996 to accomplish the feat at a Power Four school(s).
  • Raleek Brown needs 177 rushing yards (currently at 823) to have his first career 1,000 yard season and to give ASU a 1,000-yard rushing for the 11th time in the last 14 seasons.

MAKING THE GRADE (NOTABLE PFF GRADES)

  • Maki Stewart was the highest graded guard on overall offense in the Big 12 last weekend and the sixth-highest overall graded guard in the FBS (76.1), despite being the only Big 12 true freshman offensive lineman to play 60+ snaps for the week and one of just 15 nationally.
  • Stewart’s 77.5 run blocking grade was fourth among all FBS guards for the week.
  • Chamon Metayer had the nation’s sixth-best run blocking grade for Week 12 (83.4), a total that was tops among ALL Big 12 players and second among all FBS tight ends.
  • Jordan Crook had the FBS’s No. 9 score on overall defense among linebackers at 83.0 for Week 12 (39th among ALL FBS players) and his 85.3 run defense grade was tops among ALL Big 12 players and 12th among ALL FBS players.
  • Raleek Brown (78.2) remains the fifth-highest graded running back on overall offense this season in the FBS and tops among Big 12 backs.
  • Keith Abney is the nation’s No. 13 graded corner on overall defense (83.4), 20th in coverage (82.2) and sixth in tackling (87.6).

LAST TIME OUT - WEST VIRGINIA

  • The Sun Devils kept things interesting, rallying for the team’s 10th win in games decided by 7 points or less over the lass two seasons with a 25-23 victory over West Virginia on Homecoming this past weekend.
  • Jeff Sims earned his second consecutive Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week recognition as he matched a career high with three touchdown passes - a feat he had not achieved since the 2021 season.
  • ASU won its 15th consecutive game when leading at halftime, tied with West Virginia for the longest-active streak among Big 12 teams.
  • Linebacker Jordan Crook was credited with 14 tackles, the most by a Sun Devil since Kyle Soelle also had 14 at Stanford on October 22, 2022.
  • West Virginia went for it on fourth down four times. It was the 25th time since 1996 that a team went for it four or more times against Arizona State and only the NINTH time where ASU held that foe to one conversion or less despite facing that many attempts.
  • Chamon Metayer snagged a touchdown for the third straight game in the first quarter. He is the first tight end to have a touchdown reception in three-straight games for the Sun Devils since Kody Kohl in 2014.
  • With Derek Eusebio, Chamon Metayer and Raleek Brown all receiving a touchdown in the game, the Sun Devils had a wide receiver, tight end AND running back catch a touchdown for the first time in a game since Oct. 29, 2015 in a 61-55 (3OT) loss to Oregon.
  • ASU improved ASU to 3-0 in Homecoming games under Kenny Dillingham. ASU had not won three consecutive Homecoming contests since 2013-15.
  • West Virginia managed just 68 rushing yards on 39 carries, which was tied for its 10th-lowest total since the 2020 season (72 games). WVU had surpassed at least 140 rushing yards in 40 of its previous 48 games (83.3 percent since 2022) With the effort, ASU has now held opponents to 140 or fewer yards in 25 of 36 games (69.4 percent) in the Kenny Dillingham era.

SIX DEGREES OF SUN DEVIL-ATION

  • ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham coached at CU head coach Deion Sanders’ alma mater, Florida State, for two years in 2020-2021.
  • Colorado pass game coordinator Brett Bartolone was an offensive analyst at University of Nevada with ASU defensive coordinator Brian Ward in 2020-2021.
  • ASU DB Keith Abney II played at Waxahachie High School with Colorado DB Preston Hodge in 2021.
  • Colorado LB Keaten Wade played at Kentucky with ASU TE Khamari Anderson in 2023.
  • ASU WR Derek Eusebio and Colorado safety played together at Prestonwood Christian from 2020-22
  • Colorado long snapper and ASU DL Jacob Rich Kongaika attended Arizona together from 2022-23.
  • Colorado LB Reginald Hughes and Breedlove played together in 2022 at Ole Miss.
  • ASU DB Myles Rowser and LB Keyshaun Elliott were teammates at New Mexico State with Colorado DE Nikhil Webb Walker in 2023.
  • Colorado OL Copper Lovelace played alongside ASU DB Xavion Alford in 2022 and ASU RB Raleek Brown from 2022-23 at USC.
  • ASU LB Jordan Crook and Colorado Taurean Carter II played at Arkansas in 2022
  • ASU OL Jimeto Obigbo played at Texas State with Colorado DT Tavian Coleman in 2023
  • ASU WR Jordyn Tyson spent his freshman year with the Buffaloes in 2022, TE Chamon Metayer played there from 2022–23, and S Kyndrick Breedlove was on the 2023 roster. Colorado’s current roster includes multiple players who were with the program during those seasons.

HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS

  • The Sun Devils are 10-1 over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points - the most such victories in the FBS.
  • ASU’s 10 such victories in a two-year span are tied for the most over a two-season span in Big 12 history and tied for the eighth-most for any FBS team since the 1996 season.
  • ASU’s 10-1 record over the last two seasons in games decided by seven or fewer points is the fourth-best win percentage in such games over a two-year stretch (90.9) by an FBS team since the 1996 season (min. 10 such games).
  • Arizona State has trailed at some point in the fourth quarter in four of its seven victories this season.
  • The Sun Devils have won seven games in the past two seasons in which they were trailing or tied at some point in the fourth quarter - including four of its last five (Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, West Virginia).
  • The Sun Devils have scored 45 points while trailing in non-garbage time in the fourth quarter of games - 13th most in the FBS - and has scored on 8-of-14 fourth quarter drives when trailing this season, a 57.1 conversion rate that is 17th-best in the FBS. Those eight scoring drives are tied for fifth-most in the FBS.
  • Since the start of last season, ASU has scored on 15-of-26 fourth quarter drives while trailing in non-garbage time - a 57.7 rate that is seventh nationally while the 15 total scoring drives are ninth.
  • When trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons, ASU has turned the ball over just once in its comeback attempts - on the final drive at Mississippi State this season - which is tied for the fourth-lowest total in the FBS. ASU’s .203 EPA in those scenarios is 13th best in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devil defense deserves credit as well for allowing the comebacks, posting a -.213 EPA when trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons that is 15th best nationally. That number is -.326 per play this season, 16th in the FBS.
  • Opponents are averaging just 3.0 yards per play when ASU is trailing in the fourth quarter in non-garbage time - the 12th-lowest tally in the FBS.
  • Opponents have just six first downs (6-of-35 plays) in the fourth quarter of non-garbage time games when leading over ASU - a 17.1 conversion rate that is 17th-worst in the FBS. No team has added to its lead in non-garbage time to put a game away against the Sun Devils this season.
  • The Sun Devils have five fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games this season - tied for the sixth-most in the FBS. The team’s 11 third OR fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games are 11th in the FBS.
  • Jesus Gomez has kicked a game-winning field goal in the final three minutes of regulation in three victories this season. He is now tied with Ethan Sanchez of Houston (coincidentally this season as well) for the most such game-winners in the final three minutes of regulation/OT in Big 12 history.
  • Since Kenny Dillingham took the reins in 2023, 14 of the 21 Sun Devil victories in that time have been by 10 points or less.

VETERAN PRESENCE

  • The Sun Devils return 16 players in 2025 that started at least six games a year ago. The 16 returning starters were tied for the most among all FBS teams heading into this season. The total is notable as the Sun Devils had the second-most newcomers on the roster in the FBS (78) in 2022 and the ninth-most in 2023 (60). Arizona State had just 17 returning starters COMBINED entering the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
  • Eight Sun Devils started all 14 games last year, and seven of them return. 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.
  • Unfortunately, the injury bug has plagued many of the team’s returners with five members of ASU’s Pat Tillman Leadership committee being sidelined with long-term injuries - including four members of the six-person crew that the Sun Devils brought to Big 12 Media Days with them earlier this year (Leavitt, Tyson, Coleman, Alford)
  • 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).

LIVING IN A SIMS-ULATION

  • Jeff Sims posted his second-straight game with at least 175 passing yards (207) and 75 rushing yards (81) in the WVU win, becoming the first Sun Devil since at least 1996 to accomplish the feat in consecutive games.
  • Sims’ 154.50 rush yards per game for the month of November is fifth-most among all FBS players and tops among quarterbacks. His 309 total rushing yards is tops among FBS quarterbacks for the month and 15th among all players - though 10 players ahead of him have done so in three games compared to Sims’ two.
  • Sims is one of just three Power Four quarterbacks (Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, Arkansas’ Taylen Green) to post 175+ passing yards and 75+ rushing yards in consecutive games against Power Four opponents this season.
  • Sims’ 228 rushing yards at Iowa State were the most for an ASU quarterback in a single game in program history, topping Mark Malone’s 1978 previous school record of 139 yards against USC.
  • His effort earned him AP National Player of the Week honors as well as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week recognition. He followed that up with his second-straight Big 12 Player of the Week nod following the WVU game.
  • Sims 5.4 yards per rush (on non-sack plays) this season are 25th among FBS quarterbacks (min. 50 carries). Only 24.6 percent of his rushes have been regarded as a “stuff”, 33rd-fewest among FBS QBs.
  • Sims is averaging 3.7 yards after contact per rushing attempt, tied for 11th-best among FBS quarterbacks. 67.9 percent of his non-sack yardage this season has come after contact, 11th best in the FBS. His .22 missed tackles forced per attempt is 24th among those players.
  • The Iowa State contest was just the seventh 100-yard rushing game for an ASU quarterback in program history. Notably, the six previous instances came in Sun Devil home games played in Tempe.
  • Sims’ 88-yard touchdown run was the second-longest rush for an ASU quarterback in program history behind Malone’s 97-yard rush against Utah State in 1979.
  • It was the longest run for a Sun Devil since Rachaad White’s 93-yard touchdown run at Arizona in 2020.
  • Sims’ previous career high for rushing yards was 128 while at Nebraska against Minnesota in 2023.
  • He became just the 40th FBS quarterback since 1996 to rush for 225 or more yards in a game. Of those 40, 16 were quarterbacks operating a triple option offense. Of those 40, only 13 occurrences occurred on the road (5 triple option offenses). Only seven of those road instances also happened against a FBS teams,
  • Sims’ 88-yard touchdown run was tied for the 16th-longest for a quarterback since 1996. It was tied for the fifth-longest against a power five school (at the time of the contest).
  • The 228 rushing yards by Sims are the 8th most in program history regardless of position, as he joins an exclusive list of some of the program’s legendary players. He is just the sixth player in program history to go over 220 yards on 30 carries or less. It is the 23rd 200-yard rushing performance in program history.
  • Sims won his first game as a starting quarterback since defeating Duke in overtime on Oct. 8, 2022.

SPRUNG A LEEK

  • Raleek Brown has had the opportunity to show Sun Devil fans how electric he can be while healthy this season, currently third the Big 12 and 30th nationally with 85.6 rushing yards per game and 28th in the FBS with 770 total yards on the ground.
  • Brown is the FBS’ 26th-highest graded running back on rushing plays this season (85.1) and the third-highest graded back in the Big 12. His 78.2 overall offensive grade is fifth among all FBS running backs and tops among Big 12 backs.
  • His 5.62 yards per carry are Top-50 in the FBS and his 108.50 all-purpose yards per game are 28th in the FBS and second in the conference.
  • The elusive back has forced 43 missed tackles on the year on run plays, the 18th-most among FBS backs
  • His 24 runs of 10 or more yards this season are tied for 16th among FBS players.
  • Brown’s 44 targets this season are third among FBS running backs while his 32 receptions are seventh.  His 355 yards after the catch (including yards out of the backfield) are fourth 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 that has cleared 125 rushing yards since the 1996 season. He is the only player in 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.

CHAMON-ENAL

  • Chamon Metayer has 18 catches for 210 yards with three touchdowns in the last four games alone. In the first six, he had just 12 catches for 160 yards and one touchdown.
  • His fourth touchdowns this season are tied for 14th among FBS tight ends.
  • He is the first tight end to have a touchdown reception in three-straight games for the Sun Devils since Kody Kohl in 2014.
  • Metayer is 11th among FBS tight ends with 19 receiving first downs this season and his three touchdown receptions are tied for 20th.
  • His 370 yards are 25th among FBS tight ends and his 222 yards after the catch are 12th among FBS tight ends. His seven missed tackles forced are seventh.
  • Metayer has been credited with just one drop this season, tied for 19th-fewest in the FBS among tight ends with at least 25 targets.
  • When Metayer has been targeted this season, quarterbacks have a 130.6 NFL QBR - 12th-highest among tight ends in the FBS.
  • He is only the fourth Sun Devil tight end since 1996 to have two seasons with 30 or more catches. He is joined by Jalin Conyers, Zach Miller (3x), and Todd Heap on the list.
  • Metayer’s nine touchdowns as a Sun Devil are tied for the fourth most for an ASU tight end since 1996 (Chris Coyle).

FINISH THEM

  • Arizona State has won 15 straight games when leading at halftime, tied for the most among Big 12 teams (West Virginia, 15).
  • ASU has scored on 41.2 percent of its non-garbage time drives that have finished at any point in the final five minutes of the first or second halves this season (14-of-34). The 14 scoring drives are 12th-most in the FBS.
  • Removing garbage time, ASU has a 40.5 score percentage in the final five minutes of a half (30-of-74) combined since the start of last season. The 30 scoring drives are eighth in the country. For perspective, in the previous three seasons from 2021-23, ASU managed just 28 TOTAL scoring drives in the final five minutes of a half (28-97) - a 28.9 percent score percentage that was 102nd in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils have a 32.5 percent (15-of-46) offensive touchdown drive rate in the final five minutes of the first half dating back to the start of last season, the 19th-best percentage in the nation (does not include pick six against UCF last year, which makes it 16 total touchdowns). The 15 offensive touchdowns are eighth-most in the FBS in that time. For perspective, in the previous five seasons (2019-23), ASU scored just 17 TOTAL touchdowns in the final five minutes of the first half - at a 17.7 rate (17-of-96) that was 112th in the FBS.
  • Conversely, ASU has allowed just four touchdown drives in the final five minutes of the first half dating back to 2024 (at Cincinnati last year, at Baylor, at Utah, at Iowa State this year) and held opponents to a 4-for-42 touchdown drive percentage in that stretch (9.5 percent) that is sixth-best in the nation (drives that end at any point in the final five minutes of the half).
  • Utah’s touchdown at the exact 11:00 mark in the third quarter this season marked the first time ASU had allowed a touchdown in the first four minutes of a second half in the last season-plus.
  • ASU has a 127-50 advantage since the start of last season in the “middle eight” of games (last four minutes of first half, first four minutes of second half). ASU outscored opponents 87-16 in the category last season.

KEEP THEM IN FRONT OF YOU

  • ASU has allowed just 26 plays over 50 yards to opponents since the 2018 season over 91 games - tied for fifth-fewest in the FBS. The FBS average in that span is 49.89 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 14 total 50+ yard plays in the Dillingham/Ward era, tied for 28th-lowest since 2023.
  • ASU has allowed just 17 catches for 50 or more yards since 2018, tied for seventh-lowest in the FBS in that time.
  • The team has allowed just 10 in the Dillingham/Ward era.
  • The Sun Devils allowed just 12 plays over 30 yards last season, tied for the 3rd-lowest total in the country. ASU allowed just 22 total plays over 30 yards in 2023, which was 35th in the FBS. ASU has allowed 16 such plays this year, tied for 44th-lowest in the FBS.
  • The 56 total plays allowed of 30+ yards in two-plus seasons under defensive coordinator Brian Ward are tied for the 21st-lowest total in the FBS.
  • Since 2018, ASU has allowed just 130 plays OVER 30 yards (1.5 per game/91 games). That is the fifth-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.

DEEP DIVE

  • The Sun Devils rank 22nd nationally with a net NET difference between offense and defense of +.196.
  • ASU is picking up 50.3 percent of its available yards compared to a 44.8 mark for opponents - a 5.5 percent net difference that is 44th in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils ranked 6th nationally in picking up 60.0  percent of the yards available on offense last year while limiting opponents to picking up just 45.2 percent of theirs. The net 14.8 percent difference was the 13th-best total in the FBS.  For perspective, in 2023 the net percentage was -20.1 percent (36.2 vs. 56.3)  - the 131st WORST total in the country.
  • ASU currently ranks 38th with 47.9 percent of its drives ending with a touchdown or field goal attempt with a net 10.0 percent difference compared to the opponents that ranks 35th 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 are scoring a touchdown or recording a field goal attempt 70.8 percent of the time - 20th-best nationally.
  • Last season, 54.1 percent 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 percent 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 percent tally as only 28 percent of its drives resulted in a touchdown or field goal attempt (124th) compared to a 57 percent success rate for opponents (132nd

RULE OF THIRDS (OR QUARTERS)

  • Overall, opponents are managing just a 35.0 percent conversion rate on third downs against the ASU defense this season - the 36th-lowest mark in the country.
  • That current rate is the lowest since ASU posted a 33.5 percent mark on third down defense in 2010 and is the ninth-best overall tally for a Sun Devil defense since the 1996 season.
  • The Sun Devils held Iowa State to 2-of-14 (14.3%) on third down, their lowest conversion percentage of the season. It is the best third down defense by ASU since the season opener when they held NAU to 2-of-15 on third down. Since 2010, the 14.3% was tied for Iowa State’s third-worst conversion rate in a single game.
  • This season is the first time ASU has held two opponents for two or fewer third down conversions on ten or more attempts since the 2010 season (vs NAU and Oregon).
  • On offense, the Sun Devils have five fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games this season - tied for the third-most in the FBS.
  • The team’s 11 third OR fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter of one-score games are 11th in the FBS.

ABNEY ROAD

  • Keith Abney has been exceptional this season for the Sun Devil secondary. The junior is currently the second-highest graded corner on overall defense for the season in the Big 12 (83.4) and 13th-highest graded corner in the FBS. His 82.2 grade in coverage is third among Big 12 corners and 20th among FBS corners. His 90.5 tackling grade is sixth among all FBS corners - and 25th among all FBS defenders, regardless of position.
  • Despite being the nation’s fourth-most targeted corner (67 targets, just one of the FBS lead), Abney has allowed just a 40.3 completion percentage this season overall,  lowest among Big 12 corners and ninth lowest in the FBS (min. 250 pass coverage snaps).
  • Abney is allowing just 4.4 yards per TARGET this season (not reception), which is 10th-lowest among FBS corners.
  • Abney is one of just 29 FBS corners with 250+ snaps played in coverage and no touchdowns credited against him. His 363 snaps in coverage without allowing a touchdown are the third-most in the country among corners without giving up a score.
  • Only 17.9 percent of targets against Abney have resulted in a first down or touchdown - the seventh-lowest total among FBS corners.
  • Opponents have just at 41.4 NFL QBR when targeting Abney, second-lowest among Big 12 corners and 6th among all FBS corners.
  • His 13 passes defended this season (11 PBUs, 2 INTs) are third-most among all FBS players. Abney’s 11 forced incompletions last season (according to PFF) were the fourth-most among alll Big 12 players.
  • The sure-handed tackler has allowed just 61 yards after the catch this year, the 29th-lowest tally among all FBS corners (min. 250 snaps in coverage).
  • Abney has excelled in man coverage this season. Among Big 12 corners with at least 50 snaps in man coverage, Abney is holding opponents to just a 30.4 percent completion rate (5th in the league) and a 44.7 NFL QBR when targeted in man (4th in Big 12).
  • His 74.2 grade in man coverage is second among Big 12 corners.
  • 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 14th in the FBS with 54 passes defending this year (47 PBUs, 7 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 a pressure of 2.65 seconds, which is the 16th-LONGEST time in the FBS to harry an opposing QB - a credit to ASU’s secondary given Arizona State’s gaudy sack and pressure numbers.
  • Keith Abney and Javan Robinson have each been credited with just one missed tackle on a pass play this season - tied for the ninth-lowest total among all FBS corners with 250+ coverage snaps played. The duo rank sixth and 13th among all FBS corners with their tackling grades of 87.6 and 85.0.
  • Out of 199 FBS corners with at least 250 coverage snaps played, only 29 have not been credited directly with a touchdown allowed - two of which are Abney and Kyndrich Breedlove of ASU, which join Indiana and San Diego State as the only other school with multiple players in that exclusive group.
  • Among FBS corners with at least 100 snaps played in coverage, redshirt freshman Rodney Bimage’s 4.4 yards allowed per reception are third-lowest in the country. Only 35.7 percent of opponent’s passes in Bimage’s direction have resulted in a reception (on 107 snaps) - the 11th-lowest tally nationally.
  • Bimage has allowed just .21 yards per coverage snap this season, the second-lowest total among FBS corners with at least 100 coverage snaps, as are his 1.6 yards allowed per coverage target. His 7.1 1D/TD percentage when targeted is third-lowest in the FBS.
  • Bimage also paces the team with seven special teams tackles, good for fourth-most in the Big 12.
  • Boogie Wilson has very quietly been a rock on the back end of ASU’s defense after filling in for starter X Alford in Week 3. Wilson is third among all Big 12 secondary with just nine receptions allowed (min. 250 coverage snaps) this season.
  • Opponents have thrown Wilson’s way just 15 times, the second-lowest total among Big 12 secondary players.

    HOLD THE LINE
  • The Sun Devils are 17th in the FBS with 27 sacks this season (16th with 2.70 per game) and 31st with 64 tackles for loss (26th with 6.40 TFL per game). 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 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).
  • ASU has had this success despite blitzing just 20.4 percent of the time, the third-LOWEST total in the country. The team has brought four or fewer pass rushers 323 times this year - the 13th-MOST in the country.
  • ASU has allowed an average of just 5.20 yards per play this season, good for 44th 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 7 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 0.29 average depth of tackle on  run plays this season is the best among Big 12 linemen and 36th among ALL FBS linemen (min. 75 run defense snaps).
  • Clayton Smith is 16th among Big 12 linemen with 24 quarterback pressures.
  • Prince Dorbah’s 78.7 grade as a pass rusher is seventh among Big 12 linemen (min. 100 pass rush snaps).
  • Jacob Kongaika’s 14 QB pressures this season are seventh among Big 12 interior linemen
  • 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 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 tabbed him as the highest graded defender in the entire 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.
  • Overall in 2025, ASU has a team pass blocking grade of 73.5 according to PFF, good for 37th in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils have allowed just one sack in their last two contests - the first time doing so since allowing between the Kansas State-BYU games last season. ASU had allowed 25 in the first eight games of the season (3.1 per game) prior to the 0.5 over the last two games.
  • The team has given quarterbacks 3.35 seconds to throw per play this year, 21st-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.
  • Max Iheanachor (15)  ranks 17th among right tackles in the FBS in fewest pressures allowed. Iheanachor’s 76.4 pass blocking grade this season is 13th among all FBS right tackles (min. 300 pass block snaps). He has not been credited sole credit for a sack allowed this season, one of just 10 right tackles in the FBS to lay such a claim.
  • The youth of the group has started to show its promise as well in recent weeks. Against West Virginia, Make Stewart was the only true freshman Big 12 lineman to play 50+ snaps for the week (62) and only of just 15 such players nationally
  • Stewart recorded the No. 3 overall offensive grade among true freshman linemen in the FBS (71.8), a total still good for fourth in the FBS with redshirt freshmen included.
  • In doing so, he became just the seventh Sun Devil true freshman offensive lineman to play 50+ snaps in a game since the 2010 season while his 71.8 grade is the third best of the 35 total such games played by those seven players
  • ASU’s offensive linemen received a 82.0 pass blocking grade from PFF as a group last season, the 23rd-best tally nationally.
  • As a team, ASU was 40th in the country in only allowing 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 exception for the Sun Devils this season.
  • Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook lead the team with 82 and 80 tackles respectively - representing 26.2 percent of the team’s overall non-special teams tackles (162 of 619) this season.
  • Elliott’s 8.2 tackles per game are 40th in the FBS with Crook on his heels in 50th. They rank sixth and seventh in the Big 12, respectively. Elliott’s 285 career tackles are the 13th-most among active FBS players.
  • Crook ranks fourth among Big 12 linebackers on run defense with a 83.6 grade. His 11.3 run-stop percentage is also fourth (26 “stops” on 230 run snaps) in the Big 12 among linebackers and 16th among FBS LBs.
  • Elliott has posted a 9.6 run stop percentage (23 stops on 240 snaps) that is sixth among Big 12 linebackers.
  • The duo ranks fourth and eighth among Big 12 linebackers in stops on run defense (26 and 23 respectively).
  • Elliott’s 12 tackles for loss or no gain on run plays this season are second in the Big 12 among linebackers and fourth among all FBS linebackers.
  • 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. He made first contact on a play nine times according to PFF, 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.
  • Crook added his second Big-12 Defensive Player of the Week honor for the WVU game. He was tied for first among Big 12 players with six defensive “stops” for the weekend, good for ninth among all FBS players. Crook recorded the Big 12’s third highest tackling grade for the week (84.4) - good for No. 33 in the FBS and 12th among linebackers - and was not credited with a missed tackle. He was one of just 19 FBS players credited by PFF with 10+ tackles and no missed tackles. Crook was credited with 14 tackles, the most by a Sun Devil since Kyle Soelle also had 14 at Stanford on October 22, 2022.
  • Despite there only ever being two linebackers on the field at a given time, ASU’s 53 tackles on pass plays this season are 20th among linebacker groups nationally.
  • The team is one of just 25 in the FBS were linebackers are responsible for three or more of a teams interceptions.

GETTING DEFENSIVE

  • The Sun Devils are giving up just 343.4 yards per game this season, good for 46th in the FBS. ASU allowed just 339.6 yards per game last season, good for 38th nationally after ranking 89th a in 2023 (396.8).
  • ASU’s yardage tally is especially notable as the team has faced four teams currently ranked in the FBS’s Top-20 in total offense yards per game (Texas Tech, Texas State, Utah, Baylor).
  • ASU has avoided letting teams get going when pinned deep as opponents are scoring just .40 points per drive on drives starting inside their own 20-yard line against ASU, the 10th-lowest total nationally.
  • ASU’s -0.098 EPA per play this season ranks 26th 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 77.8 percent (28 of 36) of opponent non-garbage time drives that have reached the ASU red zone this season have resulted in points for the opponent - the 20th-lowest tally in the FBS.
  • Opponents have had a field goal attempt or scored a touchdown just 75.0 percent of the time time when reaching the ASU 40-yard line - the 21st lowest total in the FBS.
  • ASU is currently allowing opponents to pick up just 44.8 percent of the yards available to them, good for 46th nationally. 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 in allowing 56.3 percent of available yards.
  • Opponents are picking up just 59.2 percent of their available yards up to their own 40-yard line this season - the 21st-lowest total in the country - and just 54.6 percent of the yards to the ASU 40, which is 31st. 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 percent of opponent yards up to the ASU 40 - 51st nationally. ASU ranked 121st and 126 in those categories in 2023.
  • Since 2018, ASU has held opponents to the 400 or less mark for total offensive yards on 54 occasions over 91 games (59.3 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 accomplished the feat 25 times in 35 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward - 20th among Power Conference teams over the last three years.
  • ASU has held opponents to 30 points or less in 62 of 91 games since 2018 (68.1 percent). This is notable as it DID allow 30+ in 32 of the 43 previous games (74.4 percent) in a span from 2013- 17. ASU has accomplished this 27 times in 35 games under Kenny Dillingham and Brian Ward.
  • ASU has held its eight of its nine 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, Houston 24/29.4, Iowa State (19/29.0, WVU 23/23.4) 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 39th in the country in averaging 181.2 rushing yards per game. The Sun Devils ranked 20th in the FBS in averaging 199.9 rushing yards per game last year.
  • ASU’s 895 rushing yards amongst quarterbacks  (excluding sacks) is ninth-most among all FBS teams. The Sun Devils are the only FBS team outside Navy (and its triple option offense) to have two quarterbacks with 300+ net yards of rushing.
  • The team has rushed for 200 or more yards 14 times under Kenny Dillingham, compiling a 11-3 record when it does.
  • ASU is posting a first down or touchdown when it rushes the ball 28.0 percent of the time this year, good for the Top-50 nationally. ASU averaged a rushing first down or touchdown 31.0 percent of the time in 2024, good for 23rd nationally.
  • The team ranks 32nd this season in averaging 3.4 yards after contact per rush. The running backs were especially efficient in punishing opponents last year earning 3.6 yards after contact per rush - 21st in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils have forced 93 missed tackles on running plays this year, good for 23rd 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.
  • ASU has received a team rushing grade of 95.1 from PFF since the start of 2023, good for 13th-best nationally.
  • The team’s 0.30 missed tackles forced per rush since 2023 are second in the FBS. The team has averaged 3.3 yards after contact per rush in that time - 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 26 of the team’s 36 games under Kenny Dillingham.
  • The Sun Devils have produced a 1,000-yard rusher 10 times in the last 14 seasons  - with one of the lone exceptions being the shortened 2020 season. For comparison, from 1976-2010, ASU had just eight 1000-yard rushers over 34 years.

BUT ALSO NO RUSH

  • ASU ranks 28th nationally in allowing just 117.7 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 in allowing just 133.5 rush yards per game to opponents in 2023.
  • ASU has now held opponents to 140 or fewer yards in 25 of 36 games (69.4 percent) in the Kenny Dillingham era.
  • The Sun Devils have held opponents under 100 rushing yards 17 times in the 36 games in the Dillingham/Ward era. Between the 2018-22 seasons, it had happened just 13 total times in 55 games.
  • ASU has held seven of its last 13 opponents dating back to last season under 100 rushing yards.

A HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR

  • The Sun Devils have 11 takeaways this season (7 interceptions, 5 fumble recoveries) and a .30 turnover margin that is 38th in the country.
  • The Sun Devils had 23 takeaways last season (16 interceptions, 7 fumble recovers), 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.
  • Arizona State has allowed just 27 total points off of its 18 turnovers over the last two seasons and outscored opponents off turnovers 36-6 this season and 77-21 last season.
  • Arizona State is one of just three FBS teams this season with six or fewer points allowed off offensive turnovers (Connecticut/San Diego State).
  • Opponents have scored on just 5-of-17 drives after an OFFENSIVE turnover against the Sun Devils in the last two seasons, a 29.4 conversion percentage that is sixth-lowest in the FBS.
  • The Sun Devils have not committed multiple turnovers in 29 different games under coach Kenny Dillingham, tied for seventh-most in the FBS since 2023.
  • When trailing in the fourth quarter of games over the last two seasons, ASU has turned the ball over just once in its comeback attempts - on the final drive at Mississippi State this season - which is tied for the fourth-lowest total in the FBS.
  • 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 19 made kicks this season - the seventh-most in the FBS. ASU made 11 field goals in the entirety of last season.
  • His 81 points this season are 24th among FBS kickers this season.
  • Gomez is fifth among active FBS players with 65 field goals made in his career and  ninth in total points scored with 314.
  • He was 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 fields goals at Baylor and vs. TCU. He is the first to accomplish the feat since Kent State’s Matthew Tricket in Nov. of 2023.
  • Jesus Gomez has kicked a game-winning field goal in the final three minutes of regulation in three victories this season. He is now tied with Ethan Sanchez of Houston (coincidentally this season as well) for the most such game-winners in the final three minutes of regulation/OT in Big 12 history.
  • 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 has made three of 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 are 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.
  • ASU has controlled the ball for over 32 minutes in 17 of 36 games (47.2 percent) under Kenny Dillingham. It had reached the 32-minute mark just 17 times in 55 games from 2018-22 (30.9 percent)
  • The Sun Devils are 15-6 under Dillingham when leading in time of possession compared to a 6-9 mark when they don’t.

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 in 2023 with Mountain America Credit Union to form one of the most dynamic naming rights deals in college athletics.
  • The 15-year partnership with Sun Devil Athletics – the most important 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, and 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 community members in need, 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