Jeff Sims rips off 88-yard touchdown run to bounce back from turnovers vs. Iowa State

Arizona State quarterback Jeff Sims, in for the injured Sam Leavitt, broke off an 88-yard touchdown run early in the second half that ended up as the decider in a 24-19 win over Iowa State on Saturday.

JEFF SIMS BREAKS FREE

88-YARD RUSHING TOUCHDOWN

WOW pic.twitter.com/6H6JlcnebM

— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) November 1, 2025

It was the longest run of the season for ASU, beating the 75-yard explosion Raleek Brown had against Texas State.

Sims found a rhythm in the first half, spreading the ball around as ASU was also playing without wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Each of Chamon Metayer (one touchdown), Jalen Moss and Malik McClain had at least 49 receiving yards in the first half, while Sims added 56 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The offense had to settle in to the Ames atmosphere after netting 19 yards on eight plays across the first two drives.

ASU implemented plays that looked like QB power runs, which were in some cases, but other times he’d pull the ball and throw down the seams. Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo threw in a flea flicker for good measure.

However, when Sims had an opportunity to add to a 17-10 lead late in the first half, he coughed up the ball for his first turnover as a Sun Devil. The Cyclones nearly tied it up with a touchdown two plays later, but their extra point was no good.

The next possession, Sims was trying to make something happen with limited time on the clock and threw an interception after the ball was tipped into heavy Iowa State traffic.

Cyclones kicker Kyle Konrardy attempted a 55-yarder but it fell short left to leave it 17-16 at halftime.

Penalties, special teams continuing to hamper Arizona State

This was the first game without ASU special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle, who’s on a medical leave of absence. Assistant coordinator Jack Nudo is stepping into the role.

It took no time at all for penalties and special teams miscues to rear their ugly head again, starting with a holding on the opening kickoff return.

ASU punted on its first two drives, and Kanyon Floyd mishandled the snap of the second one, getting it off in time but only netting 17 yards. The first punt was a smoother operation, but traveled a measly 34 yards.

On its third drive, ASU worked methodically down the field to the Iowa State 23-yard line in six plays.

However, two ensuing touchdown plays were nullified by penalties. First was a holding on a Sims touchdown run before a false start kept a potential touchdown fade to Jalen Moss off the board. The Sun Devils didn’t come up empty, as Jesus Gomez had a clean operation on a 35-yard field goal.

ASU penalties then gave the assist to Iowa State in the forms of a roughing the passer on third-and-7 and a pass interference two plays later to set the Cyclones up in the red zone. Two Rocco Becht scrambles later and Iowa State was in the end zone.

The Sun Devils were penalized eight times for 85 yards in the first half, well above Iowa State’s five penalties for 33 yards.

ASU’s lone highlight of the first-half special teams came as Rodney Bimage Jr. got a hand on an Iowa State punt, shortening its length to 39 yards.

Follow along with the rest of ASU-Iowa State on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. 

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