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Wembley Stadium delivers drama as ASU holds on in the fourth quarter despite late Kansas surge to secure a Big 12 road win overseas
Arizona State leaned on special teams heroics and a late defensive stand to defeat Kansas 24–17 Saturday in London, securing a 2–1 start and a 1–0 mark in Big 12 play. In front of 46,523 fans at Wembley Stadium, the Sun Devils overcame a sluggish offensive day by producing two game changing return touchdowns and capitalizing on three Kansas turnovers.
A Game Defined by Momentum Swings
1st Quarter — ASU strikes first
Arizona State opened the scoring with a 39‑yard field goal from Carson Smith, capping a steady 10‑play drive. ASU 3, KU 0
2nd Quarter — Kansas answers, ASU counters late
Kansas grabbed its first lead when Tate Nagy broke free for a 72‑yard punt return touchdown, electrifying the KU sideline. But ASU responded just before halftime: Cutter Boley hit Reed Harris on a 25‑yard strike with 20 seconds left, flipping momentum back to the Sun Devils. ASU 10, KU 7
Special Teams Take Over
Hamilton’s 100‑yard kickoff return
On the opening kickoff of the second half, Jaren Hamilton delivered the play of the game — a 100‑yard kickoff return touchdown, sprinting untouched down the sideline. The return marked ASU’s second special‑teams score of the day and pushed the lead to double digits. ASU 17, KU 7
Vaeono’s fumble recovery sets up key TD
Early in the fourth quarter, ASU’s defense forced a Kansas fumble that Hyrum Vaeono scooped and returned to the KU 1‑yard line. Two plays later, Boley punched in a 1‑yard touchdown run, giving ASU its largest lead. ASU 24, KU 7
Kansas Fights Back Late
Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall — who threw for 235 yards, a touchdown, and an interception — found Tate Nagy again for a 38‑yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. A 46‑yard field goal by Martin Connington cut the deficit to seven with 3:51 remaining. But ASU’s defense held firm, forcing Kansas to stall out on its final possession. Final: ASU 24, KU 17
Stat Breakdown
Arizona State
- Total yards: 228
- Passing: Cutter Boley — 11/23, 95 yards, 1 TD
- Rushing: Kyson Brown — 24 carries, 81 yards
- Receiving: Reed Harris — 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD
- Turnovers: 0
- Special teams: 100‑yard KR TD (Hamilton), fumble return to 1‑yard line (Vaeono)
Kansas
- Total yards: 414
- Passing: Isaiah Marshall — 17/33, 235 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing: Devin Edwards — 18 carries, 89 yards
- Receiving: Noah Cox — 2 catches, 68 yards
- Turnovers: 3
- Special teams: 72‑yard PR TD (Nagy)
Kansas out gained ASU by nearly 200 yards but was undone by turnovers and special teams breakdowns. ASU, meanwhile, scored 17 points directly off returns or turnovers, the difference in a game where its offense struggled to sustain drives.
What This Win Means for ASU
Arizona State leaves London with:
- A Big 12 road win (albeit overseas)
- A 2–1 record heading into the heart of conference play
- Proof that its defense and special teams can carry games when the offense stalls
The Sun Devils’ ability to generate explosive plays — even on a day with just 95 passing yards — underscores their growing identity under Kenny Dillingham.
What’s Next for Kansas
Kansas falls to 1–2 and 0–1 in Big 12 play, with turnovers emerging as a major concern. Marshall showed flashes, Nagy was electric, and the yardage was there — but ball security and special teams discipline must improve immediately.
Arizona State returns home this week with momentum and a chance to stack wins as they host TCU in Tempe. After beating Kansas in London thanks to dominant special teams play and timely defense, the Sun Devils will look to clean up their offensive execution — especially the passing game — which never fully found rhythm at Wembley.
TCU brings more firepower than Kansas, particularly on the ground, meaning ASU’s defensive front will need another high‑energy performance. If the Sun Devils can build on their turnover success and get Reed Harris involved early, they’ll have a real opportunity to move to 3–1 and stay near the top of the Big 12 standings.
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