Arizona State football made history on Saturday night, securing their first-ever win over a Southeastern Conference opponent by defeating Mississippi State in a thrilling 30-23 victory. The game saw the Sun Devils build a significant lead, only to have Mississippi State mount a valiant comeback attempt, falling just short in the end.
Cam Skattebo was the standout performer for Arizona State, rushing for a career-high 262 yards, while quarterback Sam Leavitt added two critical rushing touchdowns to secure the win. Despite cutting the deficit to just seven points in the fourth quarter, Mississippi State couldn’t complete the comeback, giving the Sun Devils a memorable victory.
The game was a clash of two programs with different preseason expectations, as Arizona State, picked near the bottom of the Big 12, asserted their dominance over a rebuilding Mississippi State team in the SEC.
Skattebo and Leavitt tormented the Bulldogs’ defense throughout the game, combining for 193 rushing yards in the first half alone. Arizona State’s 30-3 lead in the third quarter seemed insurmountable, but Mississippi State fought back with quick touchdowns to make it a close game in the final minutes.
Ultimately, Arizona State’s defense held strong, and Skattebo’s late 39-yard run sealed the victory for the Sun Devils. The win marked a turning point for Arizona State, who have shown significant improvement this season under second-year coach Kenny Dillingham.
The Takeaway
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs face a challenging road ahead under first-year coach Jeff Lebby, but their spirited second-half performance showed promise for the team’s future.
Arizona State: Despite nearly squandering a 27-point lead, the Sun Devils’ resilience and strong start to the season indicate a positive trajectory for the program.
Up Next
Mississippi State: Hosts Toledo on Saturday.
Arizona State: Travels to Texas State for their first road game of the season on Thursday.
Arizona Sports
The city of Phoenix boasts a rich sports culture, with major professional teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Diamondbacks calling the city home. From NFL to NBA, WNBA, and MLB, Phoenix offers a diverse sports scene for fans to enjoy.
In addition to professional teams, Phoenix hosts various major sporting events throughout the year, including college football bowl games, PGA Tour events, NASCAR races, and MLB Spring Training games. The city’s vibrant sports community provides ample entertainment for sports enthusiasts.
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