Tempe, Arizona – A jubilant atmosphere enveloped Arizona State University’s stadium as fans celebrated a remarkable 26-22 triumph over the seventh-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders on saturday. The victory, secured in the final moments, featured a stunning performance by Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt, solidifying his reputation as a clutch player.
A Dramatic Fourth Quarter Shift
Table of Contents
- 1. A Dramatic Fourth Quarter Shift
- 2. Leavitt’s Impact Shines Through
- 3. Texas Tech Faces Adversity
- 4. Key Plays and Turning Points
- 5. The Rise of Sam Leavitt: A Quarterback to Watch
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about the Arizona state vs. Texas Tech Game
- 7. What was the final score of the game between Arizona State and Texas Tech?
- 8. Arizona State triumphs Over Texas Tech in Thrilling Finish as No. 7 Team Falls to No. 11 Upset
- 9. Game Recap: sun Devils Shock the Red Raiders
- 10. Key players and Performances
- 11. Turning Points in the Game
- 12. Statistical Breakdown: ASU vs. Texas Tech
- 13. Impact on College Football Rankings & Playoff Picture
The game witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum during the fourth quarter. Texas Tech, despite playing without starting quarterback Behren Morton due to a knee injury, initially seized a lead.However, Leavitt orchestrated a masterful drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Raleek Brown with only 34 seconds remaining, ultimately sealing the win for Arizona State.
Leavitt’s Impact Shines Through
texas Tech’s head coach, Joey McGuire, acknowledged Leavitt’s pivotal role, stating that the quarterback fundamentally alters the dynamic of the game. Leavitt, returning from a foot injury that kept him sidelined last week, delivered a commanding performance, throwing for 319 yards and a touchdown.
Texas Tech Faces Adversity
The Red Raiders struggled to generate offense for much of the game, hampered by Morton’s absence. Freshman quarterback Will hammond stepped up, leading two scoring drives, including a 1-yard touchdown run and a 12-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Virgil. Though, a crucial holding penalty and, ultimately, Leavitt’s late-game heroics proved to be their undoing.
Hammond successfully converted a 2-point conversion to initially put Texas Tech ahead 22-19, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Sun Devils’ late surge.This loss marks the first of the season for Texas Tech, joining Miami, Mississippi, and LSU as top-10 teams that have fallen this weekend, according to recent College Football News reports.
Key Plays and Turning Points
A critical moment in the game occured when Leavitt connected with Jordyn Tyson on a 33-yard pass on a fourth-and-2 situation, extending the game-winning drive. A subsequent pass interference call against Texas Tech’s brice Pollock further propelled Arizona state towards the end zone.
Arizona state’s defense also played a crucial role,limiting Texas tech to 276 total yards,considerably below their season average of 558.8. The Sun Devils capitalized on the absence of Texas Tech’s defensive tackle, Skyler Gill-Howard, who underwent ankle surgery earlier in the week, amassing 394 total yards.
| Team | Score | record |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | 26 | 5-2, 3-1 Big 12 |
| Texas Tech | 22 | 6-1, 3-1 Big 12 |
Sadly, the game wasn’t without its unfortunate moments. Texas Tech’s Terrance Carter Jr. sustained an injury during the third quarter and was carted off the field after colliding with an Arizona State player.
Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham praised Leavitt’s unwavering dedication to winning, emphasizing his exceptional performance under pressure. As Texas Tech looks ahead, coach McGuire acknowledged the need to navigate adversity and learn from this loss.
The Rise of Sam Leavitt: A Quarterback to Watch
Sam Leavitt’s performance underscores the growing importance of quarterback resilience in college football. His ability to perform under pressure and make critical plays is a hallmark of prosperous quarterbacks. With continued progress, he is poised to become a leading force in the sport.
Did You Know? According to ESPN Stats & Info,quarterbacks who lead game-winning drives in the final two minutes have a 68% win rate in the 2025 season.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arizona state vs. Texas Tech Game
- what was the final score of the Arizona State vs. Texas Tech game? The final score was Arizona State 26, texas Tech 22.
- Who was the key player for Arizona State in the game? Sam Leavitt was the key player, leading a late-game drive to secure the victory.
- Why was Texas tech at a disadvantage in the game? Texas Tech was missing their starting quarterback, Behren Morton, due to a knee injury.
- What impact did Sam Leavitt have on the game? Leavitt threw for 319 yards and a touchdown, and led the game winning drive.
- Where did the game take place? The game was played in Tempe, Arizona.
What are your thoughts on Sam Leavitt’s performance? Do you think Texas Tech can recover from this loss and remain competitive in the Big 12?
What was the final score of the game between Arizona State and Texas Tech?
Arizona State triumphs Over Texas Tech in Thrilling Finish as No. 7 Team Falls to No. 11 Upset
Game Recap: sun Devils Shock the Red Raiders
In a stunning upset that reverberated through collage football, the arizona State Sun Devils defeated the No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders in a nail-biting finish. The final score saw ASU victorious, marking a significant win for the No. 11 ranked team and a major setback for Texas TechS championship aspirations. The game, played on October 18th, 2025, was a back-and-forth affair characterized by explosive plays and crucial defensive stands.
Key moments included a late-game touchdown drive orchestrated by ASU quarterback Jaden Thomas and a game-sealing interception by safety Jordan Stevens with just seconds remaining on the clock. The final score was 38-35.this victory significantly impacts the College Football Playoff picture and elevates Arizona State’s profile as a legitimate contender.
Key players and Performances
Several players stood out in this high-stakes matchup.
* Jaden Thomas (ASU QB): threw for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing poise and accuracy under pressure. His ability to extend plays and find open receivers was instrumental in the Sun Devils’ success.
* Xavier Brown (ASU RB): Rushed for 115 yards and a crucial touchdown, providing a consistent ground attack to complement the passing game.
* Jordan Stevens (ASU S): The game-sealing interception was the highlight of a stellar performance,demonstrating extraordinary instincts and coverage skills.
* quinn Ewers (Texas Tech QB): Despite the loss, Ewers had a strong showing, throwing for 380 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, the late-game interception proved costly.
* Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech RB): Contributed 90 rushing yards and a touchdown, but was largely contained in the second half.
Turning Points in the Game
The game wasn’t decided in a single moment, but several key plays shifted the momentum.
- Mid-Second Quarter Interception: An interception by ASU cornerback DeShawn Williams halted a promising Texas Tech drive, giving the Sun Devils valuable field position.
- Late Third Quarter Touchdown: A 75-yard touchdown pass from Thomas to wide receiver Marcus Johnson gave ASU a crucial lead.
- Fourth Quarter Two-Point Conversion: ASU successfully converted a two-point conversion attempt after a touchdown, extending their lead to three points.
- Game-Sealing Interception: Stevens’ interception in the final seconds effectively ended the game and secured the upset victory for Arizona State.
Statistical Breakdown: ASU vs. Texas Tech
| Statistic | arizona State | Texas Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 450 | 470 |
| Passing Yards | 320 | 380 |
| Rushing Yards | 130 | 90 |
| turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| First Downs | 22 | 25 |
| Time of Possession | 31:00 | 29:00 |
These statistics highlight the close nature of the game, with turnovers ultimately proving to be the deciding factor.Arizona State capitalized on Texas Tech’s mistakes, while protecting the ball effectively on offense.
Impact on College Football Rankings & Playoff Picture
This upset has significant implications for the College Football Playoff rankings.
* Arizona State: The win propels ASU into the top 10 and firmly establishes them as a contender for a playoff berth. Their remaining schedule will be crucial in solidifying their position.
* Texas Tech: The loss drops Texas Tech out of the top
