TEMPE – Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt capped the Sun Devils’ first drive Saturday against Mississippi State with a 17-yard rushing touchdown right after a 15-yard run.
Leavitt left defenders running into empty space on both runs, including a nice spin move on the first run before escaping the pressure and running to the sideline for the touchdown.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt’s legs give Arizona State an early 7-0 lead against Mississippi State. pic.twitter.com/jsGZYDMtrn
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) 8 September 2024
The 10-play, 79-yard drive — including 58 yards on the ground — was crucial, as ASU’s dominating time of possession would help neutralize a Mississippi State offense looking to push the tempo.
The Sun Devils’ second drive went 65 yards in 12 plays and stalled in the red zone. ASU settled for a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.
Cam Skattebo drove the drive with some rough plays, while Leavitt’s passes were sluggish, completing only 3 of 7. Among other things, he missed a free Jordyn Tyson on the first drive, who could have scored a potential touchdown.
Leavitt scored a second one-yard rushing touchdown on ASU’s final drive of the first half, giving them a 27-3 halftime lead.
Arizona State’s defense scored three times on its first two possessions and faced a strong Bulldogs offense.
On the third down, Mississippi State responded with a long drive of their own and scored a field goal on the Bulldogs’ 12th play of the drive.