The Arizona State Sun Devils (8-2) are gearing up for one of the most pivotal games in their 2024 season as they host the #14 BYU Cougars (9-2) this Saturday, Nov. 23, at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. The clash marks the penultimate game of the regular season for both teams, with each side seeking a significant win to boost their positioning in the Big 12 standings.
The game is set for a 12:30 p.m. PST kickoff and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
History Between the Sun Devils and Cougars
While the all-time series between Arizona State and BYU favors the Sun Devils 20-8, the majority of those matchups occurred before 1980 when both teams were part of the Western Athletic Conference. The two teams last faced each other in a ranked battle in 2021, a narrow 24-21 loss for ASU in Provo. That game was a thriller, and now, with both teams ranked once again, the stakes are even higher.
BYU, under head coach Kalani Sitake, comes into this matchup with a strong track record, especially when playing as a ranked team. The Cougars are 27-8 in such situations, and they will look to continue that dominance against an Arizona State team that has defied expectations this season. ASU, which was predicted to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll, has been one of the biggest surprises in the conference, sitting at 8-2 with a chance to continue its march toward the top of the standings.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standout performers this season for ASU is Rio Linda hero Cameron Skattebo, whose remarkable versatility has made him one of the most dynamic players in college football. Skattebo has already amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards, making him the only FBS player to achieve such a feat this season. His combination of power and agility has been a cornerstone of the Sun Devils’ offense, and he is expected to be a key factor in this high-stakes matchup.
In addition to Skattebo’s impressive performances, freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt has been a revelation for ASU. Leavitt, who has consistently impressed with his poise and accuracy, is currently the nation’s highest-graded freshman player, regardless of position, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His 88.7 grade for the season places him ahead of highly touted talents such as Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, and his rise to prominence is one of the top stories of the Sun Devils’ season.
Leavitt’s connection with standout wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has been a key to ASU’s offensive success. Tyson, who leads the team in receiving touchdowns, continues to dominate opposing defenses with his elite speed and playmaking ability. Tyson’s nine touchdown receptions are tied for the most in the Big 12, and he’s just one away from joining an exclusive list of Sun Devils to reach double digits in a season.
Game-Changing Statistics
Arizona State’s 8-2 record this season already represents a massive turnaround, with the Sun Devils improving by at least five wins over last year’s disappointing 3-9 campaign. That five-win improvement is tied for the best in program history and is a testament to head coach Kenny Dillingham’s work in his first year at the helm.
ASU has also made significant strides in its efficiency, particularly on third down. After ranking 120th in the country in third-down conversions last season, the Sun Devils have climbed to 16th nationally this year, converting 47.1% of their third-down attempts. This improvement has been vital in sustaining drives and controlling the game tempo.
On defense, ASU has excelled in preventing big plays. The Sun Devils have allowed just 4.5 yards per third-down attempt, ranking 24th nationally. In the all-important “middle eight”—the last four minutes of the first half and the first four minutes of the second half—ASU has outscored opponents 66-13, a remarkable statistic that underscores their ability to capitalize on critical moments.
Key Matchup: Skattebo vs. BYU’s Defense
One of the most exciting storylines heading into this game is the battle between Skattebo and BYU’s defense, which has been particularly tough against the pass. The Cougars lead the nation with 17 interceptions this season, but ASU has only thrown four interceptions, ranking sixth in the country in that category. This presents an intriguing contrast of styles, as Skattebo’s dual-threat ability could put even more pressure on BYU’s defense.
Skattebo’s ability to break tackles has been a defining feature of his game. He’s currently ranked 11th in the FBS with 1,074 rushing yards, and his 119.3 yards per game also place him in the top 10. Even more impressive is his performance in the fourth quarter, where he has 318 rushing yards this season—good for fourth in the nation. His knack for making plays when it matters most has been a critical factor in ASU’s success this season.
Leavitt’s Poise and Progression
Sam Leavitt’s rise as one of the top freshman quarterbacks in the country has been a key factor in ASU’s resurgence. His 88.7 overall grade this season is the highest among all true or redshirt freshmen on either side of the ball. His composure in big moments, paired with his ability to lead the offense down the field, has made him a player to watch as the Sun Devils approach their biggest game of the season.
Leavitt’s accuracy and decision-making have allowed ASU to remain competitive in every game they’ve played, even when facing adversity. His connection with Tyson and fellow receiver Xavier Guillory has been a major weapon, and if Leavitt can continue his growth, ASU will have a chance to pull off a significant victory over the Cougars.
The Importance of a Victory
An ASU victory on Saturday would be a huge milestone for the program, matching their best record through 11 games since 2014. It would also guarantee at least a tie for second place in the Big 12 standings, with a potential tie for first if Colorado loses. In addition, a win would give the Sun Devils their third victory of the season over an AP-ranked opponent, an impressive feat that would solidify their place among the elite in the conference.
A win would also give ASU an undefeated record at home for the first time since 2004, a remarkable achievement for a team that has seen a complete turnaround from the previous season. The Sun Devils’ six-win improvement from 2023 would also set a new program record for the largest single-season turnaround.
Looking Ahead
With a postseason appearance within reach, the Sun Devils are playing for much more than just a victory on Saturday. They are playing to solidify their place in the upper echelon of the Big 12 and prove that their success is no fluke. With players like Skattebo and Leavitt leading the charge, ASU has shown it is ready to compete at the highest level, and Saturday’s game against BYU will be a defining moment in their 2024 season.
As the Sun Devils prepare for this crucial showdown, the eyes of the college football world will be on Tempe. Can Camero Skattebo continue his dominance? Will Sam Leavitt cement his place as one of the top freshman quarterbacks in the nation? The answers to these questions will likely determine whether Arizona State can achieve its goals and secure a spot in the Big 12 championship conversation.
