Arizona State gives up clutch TD, interception in Mississippi State loss after 20-point rally

Arizona State pulled ahead after coming back from down 17-0, but a busted coverage and late interception sealed a 24-20 loss at Mississippi State on Saturday.

It was a 58-yard touchdown from Blake Shapen to Brenen Thompson after ASU defensive backs Kyndrich Breedlove and Javan Robinson appeared to get confused about who had the assignment deeper down field.

BRENEN THOMPSON FROM DEEP #HailState || 📺: ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/fiZ9TLW2qe

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) September 7, 2025

With 30 seconds left, ASU had a shot at a miracle, but Sam Leavitt threw an interception on the drive’s first play.

It was indicative of how the game had gone for the quarterback, who finished with 82 passing yards and two interceptions on 10-for-22 passing, including 5-for-15 in the first half. He had previously never been below 50% passing in a game for his career.

The Mississippi State crowd stormed the field.

How Arizona State clawed back into hostile contest

After the poor passing first half, ASU turned to its run game with its lone two touchdown drives featuring just three passes across 17 plays.

Its final full drive took up 17 plays and 8:54, with Raleek Brown setting up a go-ahead field goal with a 26-yard run that brought ASU to the Bulldogs’ three-yard line. The Sun Devils were unable to punch it in on the goal line stand, meaning Mississippi State’s deep shot would be good enough for the win, not just a tie.

The Sun Devils scored 20 points unanswered after falling behind 17-0.

Kanye Udoh scored his first touchdown as a Sun Devil behind 105 yards on 23 carries. His emergence came after starter Kyson Brown was “dinged up” after two carries for 11 yards, according to Kenny Dillingham.

Raleek Brown led the ground attack with 110 yards on 18 carries.

Even if ASU (1-1) wasn’t able to pick up the win, at least it appeared it was forced to learn how much it should rely on the run going forward. The 251-yard performance as a team marked the second straight game of at least 200 rushing yards.

It was also the second straight game of Jordyn Tyson dominating receiver targets, and he was the only one with a catch this time. Jaren Hamilton was targeted a few times but underthrown on his best chance.

ASU will next travel back to Tempe to finish off its non-conference schedule by hosting Texas State, which it beat 31-28 in 2024.

Related

Arizona State, Sam Leavitt shellshocked in 1-for-7 start at Mississippi StateKanye Udoh scores for 1st time as Sun Devil, ASU falls to Mississippi State despite running rhythmArizona State starting WR Jalen Moss, DL Justin Wodtly out at Mississippi State, per reportsLSU cancels home-and-home series with ASUCam Skattebo can’t quite stick landing on backflip during Fanatics FestASU-Arizona Territorial Cup among top 5 rivalries in nation, study says