The Aftermath of Arizona State’s Painful Loss

The most painful moment for sundevil fans occurred when it came at the goal line, where Arizona State ran the ball three straight times and still failed to punch it in. Missed chances like these allowed Mississippi State to stay alive and eventually steal the win.

Quarterback Sam Levitt had a rough game. He finished with only 82 passing yards and was held to just 10 of 22 passing for 82 yards, far below his usual standard. 

Leavitt’s decision-making and ball security, once seen as strengths, looked shaky.

A Predictable Passing Game

Arizona State’s passing attack has also become alarmingly predictable. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson carried the entire load, accounting for 68 of the team’s 82 passing yards. While Tyson is a star, defenses know what to expect when they play the Sun Devils with injured players like transfer Jaylen Moss. ASU’s offense appears to be one-dimensional.

The run game wasn’t the problem. Arizona State piled up 250 rushing yards, usually enough to win. But in college football, teams need balance. Without an effective passing game, defenses can load up against the run and force mistakes.

Tough Road Ahead

This loss stings even more for Sundevil fans, considering ASU’s tough schedule ahead. They will be playing  Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, and Utah. All four are among the Big 12’s most formidable opponents, and Arizona State’s broken offense could lead to a rough stretch.

The defense has shown promise, and the ground attack looks solid, but unless Levitt regains his confidence and new playmakers emerge, the Sun Devils may continue to fall short in big moments. For now, fans are left wondering if this is a wake-up call or the start of a disappointing season.