TEMPE, Ariz. – In the first road game of the year, Arizona State overcame an early 14-point deficit and beat Texas St. 31-28. A game that saw both offenses shine in the first half with 42 combined points, drastically changed into a field position game in the second half. Both defenses made adjustments at halftime but ultimately, the two fourth-quarter turnovers forced by the Sun Devil defense helped put ASU football on top.

Three Takeaways ASU’s victory over Texas St.

QB Sam Leavitt’s breakout game

In the first road start of his career, Sam Leavitt went out and put the offense on his back. Leavitt finished the game with 246 passing yards and 40 rushing yards, including two scores. The biggest thing the young quarterback showed was his poise in big moments. All night Leavitt looked comfortable, proving his first road game as a starter was not too big a moment for the redshirt freshman.

Quickly in the first half, it became apparent the Sun Devil offense needed to pass the ball. The Texas St. defense came in with a game plan to stop the run. Leavitt got into a rhythm early, which is something he wasn’t able to do in week two against Mississippi State. Leavitt played fearlessly standing in the pocket all night, taking hits and running when he had needed. His ability to take control and lead the offense showed a lot of progress and showed he’s the right guy for the job.

“He’s an absolute competitor,” Dillingham said. “When he’s back there I have the utmost confidence because he’s smart and he competes. I mean, (he got) destroyed on a run and it was like it never happened. He just popped up like he plays strong safety. That’s the mentality of how he plays the game.”

Defense overcomes shaky start

The Sun Devil defense had a rocky start to the game, allowing 221 yards and 21 points in the first half. The defense had troubles early with the high-tempo offense they were going against. Additionally, when you struggle to stop the run against any team, it will be challenging to get off the field and have success.

In the second half, ASU made adjustments to their run defense and only allowed 147 total yards after the half. The defense also forced two turnovers; a fumble recovery and an interception. These turnovers ended up being the deciding factor in the game, as it allowed the offense to kick the game-winning field, late in the fourth quarter.

Coach Dillingham spoke about the adjustments they made and the difference between each half.

“We changed our scheme a little bit (in the 2nd half). Then it’s also a short week so we had a few busts (in coverage) that we normally don’t have… They also had a good plan. They had a few good screen calls, converted a fourth-and-two, a few third and longs and that was the difference between the first and second half.”

The Texas to Tempe movement is paying off

Since arriving to Tempe, Dillingham has made it a priority to start recruiting high school kids from Texas. Having an idea a conference realignment could be happening soon, he set his eyes on Texas. Also with the proximity to Texas, it allows families an easier travel for the weekend to see their kids play. Dillingham looks to continue the movement and stayed in Texas for a handful of days after the game.

“It’s awesome,” Dillingham said. “We recruit Texas, we recruit California. Texas is definitely a footprint for us because we play games here. If you noticed our four captains on our Leadership Council, who they voted for. They voted for the four Texas leaders on our Leadership Council to be captains. I think that’s the part that’s pretty cool, is when you get to go back home to play in your home state”

The Arizona State Sun Devils will have a long week to relax and prepare for their next game. The Sun Devils are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Texas Tech.

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