Arizona State Opens Season With Victory Over NAU

The Sun Devils capitalized on an astute Sam Leavitt scramble on 3rd-and-21 on the next drive - as Dillingham called a fake punt that was taken for 34 yards by starting RB Kyson Brown. Jordyn Tyson took a catch down the middle of the field to the house the next play.

Arizona State held up for much of the remainder of the first period - securing a goal-line stand near the end of the first frame.

Second Quarter

The Arizona State offense stagnated a bit in the second frame, while NAU's offense gained a bit of traction.

The offensive struggles coincided with operational penalties, missed offensive line assignments, and a general over-reliance on Tyson.

A 57-yard field goal attempt from kicker Jesus Gomez ended the half - Arizona State lead 17-6 going into the final 30 minutes of action.

Third Quarter

Leavitt got the scoring started early in the second half - the star QB ran the ball 52 yards for a house call to extend the Sun Devil lead to 24-6.

The Sun Devils nearly stopped the Lumberjacks on 4th-and-goal, but were unable to seal the stand. Northern Arizona climbed back to down 11 with 8:14 remaining in the third.

Two massive catches from Tyson extended the Sun Devil drive late in the third period - Leavitt sealed the drive off with another rushing touchdown from 17 yards out in the waning moments of the quarter.

Arizona State lead by a score of 31-13 going into the final 15 minutes.

Fourth Quarter

Arizona State coasted for much of the final 15 minutes of action - an acrobatic over-the-shoulder grab from Tyson with just over two minutes remaining secured the final score of the night for the Sun Devils.

A late Northern Arizona touchdown made the score appear less lopsided, but the Sun Devils controlled the game from coast-to-coast for all intents and purposes

Read more on the case for Leavitt to be an All-American selection at season's end here , and if Kenny Dillingham has any built-in recruiting advantages in his role  here.