Arizona State blown out by Utah, left hoping Sam Leavitt can return soon

Arizona State football was demolished 42-10 by Utah on Saturday in a perfect storm of shortcomings while playing without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Missing a starting quarterback helps explain why ASU had fewer than 200 total yards after three quarters, but it does not answer how it gave up 276 rushing yards, including 120 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries by Utah quarterback Devon Dampier.

ASU had not allowed more than 119 rushing yards in a game before Saturday, a mark that was bested by Dampier alone and more than doubled by Utah as a team.

It was also the largest margin of defeat for the Sun Devils since 2023.

Backup quarterback Jeff Sims also started in the game where ASU had its largest margin of defeat in 2024, a 24-14 loss to Cincinnati.

Sims got little done as a passer (18-for-38 for 124 yards) and wasn’t helped by a handful of drops by his receivers, but there were some nice moments as a runner.

Jordyn Tyson was far below his usual production, netting 40 yards on eight catches (16 targets). He did, however, score the first rushing touchdown of his career on a three-yard jet sweep for ASU’s only touchdown of the day.

The ASU offensive line had a porous day following a switch at center and Ben Coleman going down with an injury once at left guard. Sims took three straight sacks to end a late drive.

Up next for Arizona State

ASU likely needed to go at least 3-1 over this four-game stretch to stay in the Big 12 title fight. Picking up the loss in the first game magnifies how important it will be for the Sun Devils to get Leavitt back.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported the timetable for Leavitt’s injury was unclear after he was ruled out on Friday, and the Week 8 matchup against top-10 Texas Tech will be massive whether he plays or not.

ASU will play Texas Tech at 1 p.m. MST on Oct. 18.

Catch it on 98.7 or the Arizona Sports app. It will be televised on FOX.

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