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Coming into this game, no one gave ASU a chance. Media expectations are at an all-time low for the Sun Devils, while Texas Tech sits confidently at the top of the mountain.
Following a tough loss to Utah last week, Coach Kenny Dillingham had high praise for the Utes and Coach Whittingham, admitting, “They beat us in every facet of the game. There’s nothing I can say that changes that result.”
Now, with Will Hammond leading the Red Raiders and Sam Leavitt stepping up for ASU, it’s time to break this matchup down — by the numbers.
1st Quarter:
The game opened with a defensive slugfest, as both teams struggled to establish any offensive momentum. The first five possessions resulted in punts, with neither side able to generate meaningful yardage or sustain drives. Field position quickly became a key factor, and Arizona State was the first to capitalize. After taking over on a short field, the Sun Devils strung together just enough offense to set up two field goals — one from 27 yards and another from 47 — to take a 6–0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
This was a promising start for an ASU defense that entered the game under heavy scrutiny. Just a week prior, they had surrendered 42 points and 120 rushing yards to Utah’s quarterback alone. But in the early stages against Texas Tech, the unit looked sharper, more disciplined, and far more physical. Red Raiders freshman QB Will Hammond was largely held in check, completing just 4 of 7 passes for 38 yards in the opening frame. He struggled to find rhythm against a defense that clearly came in with something to prove.
Texas Tech’s defense, however, matched ASU’s intensity. Outside of a 49-yard bomb to Jaren Hamilton on Arizona State’s first drive, the Red Raiders kept the Sun Devils contained. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was inconsistent early, completing just half of his pass attempts, but still managed to rack up 105 passing yards thanks largely to that early deep shot.
Overall, the first quarter was defined by punts, field goals, and physical defense. While the scoreboard remained quiet, the tone had been set — this would be a gritty, hard-fought battle on both sides of the ball.
2nd Quarter:
The second quarter picked up right where the first left off — a defensive stalemate dominated by punts and stalled drives. Both teams struggled to find rhythm offensively, and special teams continued to see the most action.
Texas Tech finally broke through midway through the quarter. Will Hammond, who had been quiet early, doubled his passing yards in one play with a deep strike to Coy Eakin in the back corner of the end zone. The catch was initially in question, but after review, it was confirmed as a touchdown — giving the Red Raiders their first points of the game and trimming the ASU lead from 6 to 0.
Despite that brief spark, offensive highlights remained scarce for the rest of the half. Both defenses clamped down, forcing quick possessions and limited scoring chances. The one consistent bright spot: wide receiver play on both sides. For ASU, Jaren Hamilton continued to shine, hauling in two catches for 95 yards — including a 49-yard bomb on the opening drive. For Texas Tech, Eakin’s two catches for 40 yards, including the touchdown, provided the Red Raiders’ only real offensive momentum.
At halftime, it was still anyone’s game. Arizona State clung to a narrow 9-7 lead in a low-scoring, defense-first battle.
3rd Quarter:
The third quarter picked up right where the first half left off — a gritty, defensive battle. Both Arizona State and Texas Tech opened the second half with punts, continuing the trend of stalled drives and field position battles.
Momentum finally shifted after ASU cornerback Martell Hughes came up with a clutch interception, setting the Sun Devils up with prime field position deep in Texas Tech territory. ASU capitalized quickly, as quarterback Sam Leavitt found Jordyn Tyson in the end zone for the team’s first touchdown of the game, extending the lead.
However, that touchdown came with concern. Tyson, who has battled injuries in the past, went down twice in the third quarter with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. While he returned briefly, fans held their breath each time he limped off the field — his availability for the remainder of the game (and the season) now in question.
Despite the injury scare, ASU’s defense continued to shine. The Sun Devils held Texas Tech — a team averaging over 30 points per game this season — to just 7 points through three quarters. The defensive line applied consistent pressure, and the secondary tightened up in coverage, forcing Hammond into tough throws and limiting big plays.
Offensively, the Sun Devils struggled to find balance. Their typically reliable ground game, which had been the foundation of recent success, was nearly invisible. ASU averaged just 2.1 yards per carry — a testament to Texas Tech’s nationally ranked run defense, which lived up to its billing.
With the run game stalled, the passing attack stepped up in a big way — particularly tight end Chamon Metayer, who became Leavitt’s go-to target in the third. Metayer hauled in 4 catches for 66 yards in the quarter alone, helping ASU extend drives and chew clock.
As the third quarter came to a close, Arizona State maintained control on both sides of the ball, holding a slim but hard-earned lead in a physical, low-scoring affair.
4th Quarter:
The fourth quarter opened with a crucial field goal from Jesus Gomez — his fourth of the game — as he connected from 34 yards out to give Arizona State a 19–7 lead. Gomez was perfect on the day, also hitting from 47, 26, and 28 yards. His consistent leg proved to be the difference for much of the game, giving the Sun Devils critical points in a matchup where touchdowns were hard to come by.
Moments later, ASU fans collectively held their breath as Texas Tech’s Jakobe Williams broke loose on the ensuing kickoff, returning it 56 yards and nearly taking it to the house. The only thing that stood in his way was kicker Jesus Gomez, who made a clutch open-field tackle — a play that gave ASU’s defense just enough time to rally and prevent a game-changing touchdown.
Despite the momentum swing, Arizona State’s defense continued its relentless effort. While the Sun Devils cleaned up their penalty issues compared to previous games — recording four procedural penalties instead of their usual eight — each flag came at inopportune moments, often giving Texas Tech favorable field position. Fortunately for ASU, the defense rose to every challenge.
Texas Tech, known for its explosive offense averaging over 30 points per game, was completely stifled. ASU shut down the Red Raiders’ run game and forced Will Hammond into uncomfortable situations, never allowing him to establish rhythm. The defensive front applied constant pressure, and the secondary held strong, limiting big plays and forcing punts.
It was one of the Sun Devils’ most complete defensive performances of the season, holding a high-powered Texas Tech offense to just 22 points. With timely plays, clutch kicking, and discipline when it mattered most, Arizona State closed out the game in gritty fashion — a statement win built on toughness, focus, and execution.
Players of the game:
Arizona State saw standout efforts from several key players in their gritty win over Texas Tech. Wide receiver Jaren Hamilton made the most of his opportunities, hauling in 3 catches for 110 yards, including a game-changing 49-yard reception. Jordyn Tyson was a reliable target all game, finishing with 10 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, despite battling through a nagging hamstring injury. On the defensive side, Martell Hughes came up big with a crucial interception that set up a scoring drive, while linebacker Keyshaun Elliott anchored the defense with 7 total tackles, 4 of them solo, and added a sack to cap off a dominant performance.
Final Thoughts:
In a game where few gave Arizona State a chance, the Sun Devils silenced the doubters with a gritty, disciplined, and inspired performance. From a stifling defense that shut down one of the Big 12’s most explosive offenses, to clutch special teams play and timely execution on offense, ASU showed heart, resilience, and growth. Coach Dillingham’s squad may have entered the game as heavy underdogs, but they walked off the field as a team with something even more valuable — belief. If this game is any indication, the Sun Devils are turning a corner, and the rest of the conference should take notice.
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