No. 21 Arizona State Holds Off Late Hail Mary Surge for 28-23 Victory Over No. 14 BYU Amidst Field Invasion

TEMPE, Ariz. — No. 21 Arizona State narrowly edged out No. 14 BYU with a final score of 28-23 on Saturday, marking their fourth consecutive victory. The win places Arizona State on the cusp of College Football Playoff consideration, while BYU now grapples with two straight losses, significantly dimming their own playoff aspirations.

Running back Cam Skattebo shone, rushing for 147 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Quarterback Sam Leavitt provided solid support with 247 passing yards and a touchdown of his own. The game concluded with a dramatic sequence where Arizona State’s fans prematurely stormed the field, believing the game was secured.

With just over a minute remaining, Javan Robinson’s interception seemed to seal the Sun Devils’ victory. However, the offense stalled on the following drive, forcing Leavitt to throw the ball out of bounds on a pivotal fourth down. In a twist, officials announced one second remained, allowing BYU a final chance with a Hail Mary attempt.

The ensuing chaos required multiple minutes to clear fans from the field. Ultimately, Jake Retzlaff’s deep throw fell incomplete, solidifying Arizona State’s victory. The Sun Devils improved to 9-2 overall and 6-2 in the Big 12 Conference.

Arizona State took control in the third quarter when Leavitt connected with wide receiver Xavier Guillory for a 61-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 28-9. BYU fought back, with Retzlaff finding Jojo Phillips for a 21-yard score, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from Keelan Marion that cut the deficit to 28-23.

Despite Retzlaff’s impressive passing stats, totaling 297 yards and one touchdown, he also faced challenges, including two critical interceptions. Arizona State’s defense showcased resilience, particularly during the game’s early stages, effectively halting a BYU drive on fourth down.

The Sun Devils continued their offensive momentum, highlighted by Skattebo’s impactful runs. His performance underscored Arizona State’s unexpected rise as they now prepare for a critical matchup against Arizona next Saturday. Meanwhile, BYU will host Houston.

This victory positions Arizona State favorably in the rankings, raising questions about their potential ascent toward the College Football Playoff. Although remaining a long shot, their recent performance has ignited a flicker of hope.