The third game of the season was an interesting inflection point for Arizona State football.
Sam Leavitt was coming off a sub-100-yard passing effort against Mississippi State. Some folks online were asking if he could live up to expectations. The run game had been successful so far but a lot was left to be desired in the pass game heading into a Texas State squad that could steal a game if the Devils weren’t careful.
But a big score between Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson not only helped ASU win the game against the Bobcats. It opened up the offense, almost like a release valve had been twisted. It was now time to look ahead to the opening of Big 12 on the road.
Would it surprise you that I was talking about the 2024 season and not this current one?
In some ways, Arizona State’s seasons have mirrored each other. Saturday’s match-up against Texas State wasn’t nearly as down-to-the-wire as last year’s bout. While a major difference is the Sun Devils have a blemish on their non-conference record, a fair amount of the play and reaction has been similar.
An offense that had relied heavily on the run took strides in the passing game.
Some are calling this “The” jump throw.
Unreal effort from Sam Leavitt to find @tyson_jordyn for a TD. pic.twitter.com/OXEYPOsFcF
— Jordan Spurgeon (@spurge_) September 14, 2025
Leavitt was efficient and took care of the football. A few near-misses would have blown this game – or at least the box score – more open. Perhaps the biggest development was Leavitt’s ability to spread the ball to other receivers who aren’t Jordyn Tyson, who ended the night with six catches for 105 yards and a score. Tight end Chamon Metayer had a career-high with six catches and a touchdown. Dillingham said after the game that he “would think” Jalen Moss – who could take in some targets as well – would return for the Baylor game in a week.
Raleek Brown was the pace car in the run game, rushing for 144 yards on 12 carries, highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown run. Leavitt also had one of his best rushing performances, picking up first downs and extending pass plays. He tallied 59 rushing yards and score on the ground as well.
The Sun Devils played it’s most balanced game on that side of the ball.
And it could be on the verge of taking another big leap.
Jaren Hamilton was very close to lighting up the box score. He took a kickoff back for a touchdown but a holding call negated that big swing. On a play in the second half, Hamilton received a target and had nothing but green in front of him, but Leavitt and the wide receiver were unable to connect.
Defensively, the Sun Devils were without X Alford, but Boogie Wilson stepped in admirably with seven tackles. Arizona State held a Texas State team that thrives off explosive plays in check. The group generated five sacks, including a strip sack from Jacob Kongaika. The Sun Devils also took advantage of a short field after recovering a fumble.
It’s a team that still needs to iron some things out, but like the 2024 edition of this team, responded well when the time came. The room for error gets smaller as conference play gets going next week.
They’ll need to be ready for an explosive offense when they head to Baylor on Saturday.
The post Sun Devils Show Growth in Texas State Win, Look Ahead to Big 12 Play first appeared on Sports360AZ.
