Arizona State Stuns No.7 Texas Tech in Thrilling Comeback Victory
Tempe, AZ – In a stunning upset that reverberated through the college football landscape, the Arizona State Sun Devils defeated the No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders 30-26 on Saturday. The victory marks a significant moment for Arizona State and adds another surprising result to a weekend filled with top-10 program defeats.
This game showcased resilience from both sides, but ultimately, it was the poise of Sun Devils quarterback Trenton Leavitt that proved to be the deciding factor. You witnessed a contest where momentum swung wildly, and a late-game drive sealed the fate of a previously undefeated Texas Tech team.
A Tale of Two Quarterbacks & Key Injuries
Texas Tech entered the game boasting the nation’s top-ranked offense, averaging a remarkable 558.8 yards per game. though, the absence of starting quarterback Behren Morton due to a knee injury substantially hampered their attack. The Red Raiders managed just 276 total yards, a stark contrast to their season average.
Freshman Will Hammond stepped in for Morton, struggling initially but ultimately demonstrating grit. He orchestrated two crucial scoring drives late in the fourth quarter, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run and a 12-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Virgil.Hammond then successfully ran in the 2-point conversion after a holding call.
Sadly for Texas Tech, their efforts weren’t enough to hold off a steadfast Arizona State squad. The sun Devils, led by Leavitt, capitalized on the Red Raiders’ offensive struggles and a few key defensive stops.
The game also saw a concerning injury to Texas Tech tight end Terrance Carter jr., who was carted off the field in the third quarter with an apparent left leg injury. His absence further impacted the Red Raiders’ offensive capabilities. Texas Tech was also without defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard, who underwent season-ending ankle surgery this week.
Leavitt Leads Arizona State to Dramatic Finish
leavitt, returning from a foot injury that sidelined him last week, was masterful in the final minutes. He completed 5 of 7 passes for 61 yards during the game-winning drive. A crucial 33-yard connection with Jordyn Tyson on a fourth-and-2 play kept the drive alive.
A pass interference call against Texas Tech’s Brice Pollock then set up running back DJ Brown for a game-winning touchdown run. leavitt finished the game with 319 passing yards and a touchdown.
“going into that two-minute [drill], there wasn’t too much worry there,” Leavitt stated post-game, highlighting his confidence and the team’s planning.
Texas Tech had one final chance, driving to the Arizona State 28, but Hammond’s desperation heave into the end zone was broken up as time expired.
A Weekend of Upsets & Lessons Learned
Texas Tech joins a growing list of top-10 teams to fall this weekend, including No. 2 Miami, No. 5 Mississippi, and No. 10 LSU. This underscores the unpredictable nature of college football and the increasing parity across the sport.
“We’re fixin’ to find out how we face a loss,” said Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire, acknowledging the adversity his team now faces. “That’s the adversity you’ve got to find out.”
Arizona state coach Kenny dillingham praised Leavitt’s leadership and clutch performance.”I’ve never been around a guy who just works to win football games as much as he does, and in the biggest moments, he makes the biggest plays.”
Looking Ahead
* Arizona state (5-2,3-1 Big 12): The Sun Devils have established themselves as a force in the Big 12. They will look to build on this momentum as the season progresses.
* Texas Tech (6-1, 3-1 Big 12): The Red Raiders will need to regroup and address their offensive vulnerabilities, particularly with Morton’s injury. Their ability to overcome this setback will be a key test of their championship aspirations.
This game served as a reminder that in college football, anything