ASU is up 21-14 over Oklahoma State as Cam Skattebo has two touchdowns and Sam Leavitt has passed 12-for-18 for 198 yards.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a back-and-forth affair, here is what Arizona State has to accomplish to beat Oklahoma State and secure bowl eligibility:
Go for it on fourth down/punt
The kicking woes for the Sun Devils rolled over to Stillwater, as Parker Lewis’ first attempt of the season just missed right of the goalpost. Because the 47-yard try was off, that marked the seventh miss by an ASU kicker and the program is now 7-for-14 on the year. With the kicking arguably the worst area of the team this season, the Sun Devils opted to punt on their next fourth down before Sam Leavitt fluttered the ball to Cam Skattebo on 4th and 1 and Skattebo scored a 50-yard touchdown.
Depending on where they are on the field, the Sun Devils will have to either go for it or punt on fourth down because of how poor the kicking has been. If the distance is below 40 yards from the uprights, Dillingham could bring out the kicking unit but it is too risky with what has been going on.
Defensive ends need to step up after Wodtly’s ejection
ASU got away with Jordan Crook being called for targeting in the second quarter before it went to review and was overturned, but the defense is still without one of its key players. After Javan Robinson intercepted a pass by Alan Bowman, flags were thrown because Justin Wodtly allegedly spit at an Oklahoma State player. Though there was no instant replay and Wodtly was completely shocked with what transpired, he was disqualified for the rest of the game.
Prince Dorbah then went down with an injury in the second quarter and ASU was down two defensive ends. Though it remains to be seen if Dorbah will return, Clayton Smith, Elijah O’Neal and Roman Pitre will be depended on in the position with Wodtly gone.
Leavitt continues targeting Tyson
Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson have been a dominant quarterback-wide receiver duo this season for Arizona State and Leavitt tried to find his go-to option not named Skattebo even more. Tyson corralled three receptions for 43 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown from a pass over the middle by Leavitt. There was a blatant pass interference that wasn’t called on Oklahoma State as the wideout had his jersey tugged and Tyson dropped another pass even though he was wide-open.
Coming into the game, Tyson had 31 receptions for 477 yards and four touchdowns. While Leavitt has Skattebo on his side and Chamon Metayer being a reliable tight end, Tyson has found himself in prime positions to be open and has to cause damage going forward.
Run the ball
Skattebo has been doing Skattebo things with two touchdowns, 61 receiving yards, 80 rushing yards from 16 carries and two touchdowns. The main reason why Arizona State is 5-2 and on the verge of a bowl berth is because of how dominant Skattebo has been this season, a testament to the belief the program, Leavitt and head coach Kenny Dillingham have in the 5-foot-11 running back.
Since Oklahoma State is the second-worst Division I program in college football against the run, ASU needs to capitalize and take advantage of what the Cowboys significantly struggle with. Skattebo is already close to 20 carries and will probably get more opportunities as the game goes on and has to used his physicality to brush past defenders.
Raymond S. Kellis High School LB, Glendale native announces verbal commitment to ASU
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
