ASU QB Sam Leavitt exits twice vs. Houston, will undergo further evaluation

TEMPE — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt did not finish the 24-16 loss to Houston on Saturday, exiting twice with separate issues.

He first left after a hard fall to end a run during ASU’s first drive, making it back from locker room imaging in time to return for ASU’s second series.

In the fourth quarter, he visibly limped off the field as the Sun Devils pulled within two possessions on a field goal.

“The first one was just kind of a scare, hopefully, based off what we saw,” ASU coach Kenny Dillingham said postgame. “The second one, we gotta look into it more before I really comment on it.”

Dillingham described the second issue as a “re-tweak.” Leavitt missed the game at Utah on Oct. 11 due to a foot injury, and he returned the following week.

The first time Jeff Sims entered against Houston, he converted a fourth down on a QB keeper and eventually set up an ASU field goal attempt that was missed.

After re-entering in the fourth quarter, Sims led a seven-play, 70-yard series for a touchdown that made it a one-possession game with 5:12 remaining. He would go four-and-out on his next series to end the game.

The Sun Devils were playing without star receiver Jordyn Tyson.

Dillingham did not have an update postgame regarding Tyson’s chances to play at Iowa State on Nov. 1 but praised how Malik McClain stepped up to the tune of seven catches for 159 yards, both career highs.

Related

ASU closes gap in loss vs. Houston, has to lean on Jeff Sims with Sam Leavitt sidelinedArizona State plagued by self-inflicted miscues in Houston loss, students throw bottles onto fieldASU's Prince Dorbah does not play vs. Houston, 3 questionable starters clearedLSU 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