TEMPE, Ariz. – Baylor’s (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) physicality on both sides of the ball was too much for Arizona State (2-2, 1-1), who fell 55-19 at Mountain America Stadium. 

“That was an unacceptable performance from our football team and an unacceptable performance from me,” Dillingham said. 

But what went wrong? 

Baylor continued to disrupt junior quarterback Cutter Boley and forced ASU into mistakes. The Sun Devils ended with three turnovers, which included one lost fumble and one interception thrown. 

The Bears’ defense isn’t new to making plays. Baylor has held all of their opponents this year to under 20 points, which hasn’t happened since 2005. 

Despite ASU being attacked, they still produced 409 total yards, including 304 passing. Boley threw a 58.1% completion rate compared to his 63% average through his first three games as a Sun Devil. 

“He played well,” Dillingham said. “I think we took a step on offense today, even though it looked ugly.” 

The Sun Devils were only able to get one touchdown the entire game, and that was late in the second quarter. All other points from the game were from sixth-year placekicker Carson Smith. 

Smith went 4-for-4 on the uprights, with the longest field goal made from the 46th yard line and 1-for-1 on extra points. 

The Sun Devils had to face yet another talented quarterback. 

Baylor’s junior quarterback DJ Lagway had a star-stunning performance. He threw for a 62.5% completion rate, 306 passing yards, and four passing touchdowns. He led his team to a 564-yard day. 

“DJ threw some really nice footballs,” Dillingham said.

Lagway also ran for an 11-yard touchdown himself.  He was efficient in the end zone, with all four touchdowns going to different players.

The Florida transfer continued to find wide receiver 5th-year Gavin Freeman on important drives, including a 31-yard completion to open the second half. 

ASU crumpled after halftime

Baylor only led 24-13 at halftime, but the Sun Devil defense was not able to hold them down as the Bears would score 21 points in the third quarter alone.

Baylor opened the second half with a touchdown in nine plays and intercepted one of Boley’s passes, which led them to another touchdown. 

Though the Sun Devils tried closing the gap with one of Smith’s field goals, the Bears would return the favor with a 75-yard touchdown run from sophomore running back Caden Knighten. 

ASU went into the third quarter down 11 and left down 29. 

Special teams mishap 

Baylor kicked off 56 yards, where ASU senior wide receiver Jaren Hamilton muffed the ball, giving the Bears senior cornerback Stilton McKelvey the ability to recover the ball. 

This then set up Baylor to score a field goal by sophomore kicker Rhett Armstrong. 

Armstrong also had an impressive day. He went 2-3 on field goals and 7-7 on extra points. 

“It begins and ends with me,” Dillingham said. “I’m not doing a very good job this year.”