By Jacob Seliga
ASU Beat Writer
The 2023 season was a lackluster campaign for Arizona State in multiple facets of the game. On the defensive side of the ball, it took the Sun Devils four games to force a turnover and the offense was anemic, averaging only 17 points per game.
For all of last year’s struggles, the 2024 campaign got off to almost a picture perfect start.
On the second play of the game, San Diego State transfer linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu had a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown and the offense had 17 points at the end of the first quarter en route to a 48-7 victory over Mountain West opponent Wyoming.
“We played our brand of football," head coach Kenny Dillinham said. "It wasn’t what happened to Wyoming, It’s what we do."
Following the first drive of the game, the Sun Devil defense went back to work as New Mexico State transfer Keyshaun Elliott jumped in front of an errant pass by Wyoming quarterback Evan Svoboda. That set up Arizona State with great field position.
For the offense, a 7-0 cushion was massive as Michigan State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt was able to ease into his first ever college start early on with a lead. On his first drive he showcased both his running and passing ability, as he led the Sun Devils kicker Ian Hershey to a 29-yard field goal.
“I got to watch my guys go to work and create momentum in the stadium," Leavitt said. "It let me go out there and play and have fun."
With no need to force anything early, the Sun Devils rotated through three of their five starting caliber running backs. Cam Skattebo and DeCarlos Brooks scored the second and third touchdowns of the game, extending the lead.
“We knew coming out of Camp T that we had a tight group and that we had the ability to do something special this season," Skattebo said. "So to start like this is great, but we have to build on it."
By halftime the rout was on.
Leavitt’s efficiency was on display. He had already completed 10 of his 14 pass attempts and his 134 passing yards at halftime would’ve led the team in three of the Sun Devils games last year. His final stat line of 258 passing yards would’ve been a team high in eight games.
The second half saw Leavitt build off his first half success. He showcased his elusive rushing skills again in the second half, converting two first downs before he found tight end Chamon Metayer for a 25-yard touchdown.
From there, the action took a break. Both teams traded multiple punts before a backwards pass from Svoboda bounced free on the turf. ASU defensive lineman Justin Wodtly scooped it up and took it the other way for a touchdown.
The following Sun Devil offensive drive saw Leavitt and the starting offense cap off their night in style. Leavitt found running back Kyson Brown on a screen pass that he took 68 yards to the house.
“With all those running backs and everything they did tonight -- our O-line -- you’ve got to really tip your cap to how they played tonight,” said Dillingham.
With a comfortable lead, Dillingham allowed the Sun Devils to have a little fun.
Keona Peat, a walk-on offensive lineman from Corona del Sol, swapped his No. 67 jersey for a nameless No. 35. That made him eligible to line up in the backfield, where he took a handoff to the excitement of his teammates and the crowd.
Dillingham had a motive in allowing Peat to take a handoff. His younger brother, Koa, a five star forward out of Perry in Gilbert, was at the game on an official visit for the Sun Devil basketball program.
Wyoming added 74 yards to its total on the final drive of the game. The Cowboys finished with 118 total yards on the night and needed all three timeouts in the final 10 seconds to avoid the shutout.
It was a dominant performance by Arizona State, as the Sun Devils held Wyoming to 2.2 yards per play and 1.2 yards per carry.
The 41-point victory was the largest since the Sun Devils home opener in 2018 vs UTEP. The 499 yards of total offense was the second highest number in the Kenny Dillingham era.
Now, Mississippi State comes to town in what could be a season defining game.
Arizona State has never defeated an SEC opponent, and this game could give Dillingham a signature win as the Sun Devils march toward the toughest schedule in the Big 12.
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