Eric Boggs 
Arizona State scored a touchdown Thursday night against Texas State.
Arizona State football secured a thrilling 31-28 win over Texas State on Thursday, thanks to clutch defensive plays in the fourth quarter and timely offensive execution. After a 21-21 first-half shootout, the Sun Devils’ defense came alive late to preserve their first 3-0 start since 2019.
The game turned in Arizona State’s favor with nine minutes remaining, when safety Shamari Simmons forced a fumble at the Bobcats’ 20-yard line, setting up a go-ahead field goal by Ian Hershey. On Texas State’s next drive, quarterback Jordan McCloud took a deep shot that was intercepted by safety Xavion Alford. The Bobcats had one last chance to save the game, but ASU cornerback Keith Abney II knocked away a fourth-down pass to seal the win.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt led the Sun Devils back from an early 21-7 deficit, throwing a 52-yard touchdown to Jordyn Tyson and running in a seven-yard score just before halftime. Leavitt, in his first road start since transferring from Michigan State, finished with 246 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception. He also added 40 rushing yards, including a key 40-yard scramble in the third quarter.
Running back Cam Skattebo, who had been held in check by Texas State’s defense for most of the game, broke through when it mattered most. His two-yard touchdown run in the third quarter tied the game at 28-28, and he later gained a critical first down to help Arizona State run out the clock.
The Sun Devils’ defense held Texas State to just 27 yards in the fourth quarter after allowing 249 yards in the first half. Arizona State racked up six tackles for loss, including two by Simmons, and forced two turnovers in the final quarter to preserve the win.
Texas State quarterback Jordan McCloud had a strong game, throwing for 268 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to Jaden Williams. However, his interception in the fourth quarter ended the Bobcats’ hopes of a comeback.
The win gives Arizona State momentum as it heads into its first Big 12 game on Sept. 21 against Texas Tech. Coach Kenny Dillingham praised his team’s resilience, saying, “When the game mattered the most, the best players made plays.”
Texas State, now 2-1, will look to rebound against Sam Houston State on Sept. 28. Despite the loss, head coach G.J. Kinne remained optimistic, saying, “I think we earned a lot of respect around the country tonight.”
Arizona State’s victory in Texas was especially meaningful for several Texan players on the roster, with Tyson, a native of Allen, Texas, saying, “We brought it.” As new members of the Big 12, the Sun Devils will have plenty of opportunities to continue making their mark in the Lone Star State.
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