Arizona State trailed for the first time all season during the first half of Thursday’s game at Texas State, but a 52-yard touchdown pass from Sam Leavitt to Jordyn Tyson and a 7-yard touchdown run by Leavitt tied the score at 21-21 at halftime.
Trailing 21-7 in the second quarter, Leavitt rolled to his right, stepped forward and threw the ball about 50 yards through the air to Tyson at the 10-yard line. The receiver made one move and lunged into the end zone.
ASU with the half rollout and a deep TD for Jordyn Tyson pic.twitter.com/HEeCR08Ml9
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) 13 September 2024
According to Pro Football Focus, Leavitt had previously completed 0 of 6 passes of at least 20 yards, and his connection with Tyson was a key point in cutting the deficit in half. Texas State had won the game by 21 straight points.
The Sun Devils forced a punt on the ensuing defensive series, and with 2:38 left on the clock, the ASU offense systematically managed 57 yards in 11 plays. Leavitt fought his way into the end zone with six seconds left.
14 points behind? Equaliser.
Sam Leavitt fights through @ASUFootball to wrap things up in San Marcos… you’ll see the second half of it 🍿#Big12 | pic.twitter.com/Cb9hFtRjxH
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) 13 September 2024
Arizona State beat Wyoming and Mississippi State 54-3 in its first two wins before halftime, but Texas State also went into Thursday with a 2-0 lead after a clear win over UTSA.
ASU opened the game with a stop and a 10-play touchdown drive.
The Bobcats orchestrated 14 and 15 touchdown plays that totaled more than 14 minutes and forced two consecutive three-and-outs from ASU before the 52-yard bomber.
Leavitt completed 10 of 13 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown in the first 30 minutes. ASU ran for just 40 yards on 18 carries, although running back Cam Skattebo scored the game’s first touchdown.
Tyson gained 111 yards at halftime.
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