TEMPE — Arizona State doesn’t need to shock the world Saturday. It simply needs to play the best version of ASU football it didn’t play last week.
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Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) runs for a touchdown against Utah Utes cornerback Smith Snowden (2) during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The No. 7-ranked Texas Tech heads to Tempe for a matchup with the Sun Devils and all eyes will be on the game. As Texas Tech continues to surge and become one of the nation’s top teams, Arizona State cannot roll over easily. After a tough loss to Utah on Oct. 11 and dropping out of the AP Top 25, the Sun Devils should use this game as a challenge to forget last weekend and play better.
The 2025 season has started interestingly for the Sun Devils. With injuries and adjustments, the team isn’t necessarily at a crossroads just yet. They are 4-2, with both losses coming on the road, while the home crowd’s energy has fueled ASU to comeback wins this season.
Arizona State defensive lineman Prince Dorbah (32) celebrates a strip sack against TCU during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Sept. 26, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Saturday’s game is a chance for ASU to channel its home crowd energy as it faces one of its toughest midseason tests. It’s about showing the nation that, despite being unranked, the Sun Devils’ passion and grit shouldn’t go unnoticed. The team remains relevant and competitive.
The Sun Devils struggled to find depth on their bench, unintentionally putting the team in a tough spot. Do they need their starters to keep up with the nation’s best? Who is the next man up? Will injuries define this team?
Quarterback Sam Leavitt is listed as probable, giving the team a glimpse of much-needed help after he missed the last game in the loss to Utah. His return could provide a boost offensively and take pressure off the defense, which struggled to contain Utah. Both sides of the ball will need to work cohesively against Texas Tech, or Arizona State could find itself in an early hole.
Leavitt has a passer rating of 142.4, with 736 yards and six touchdowns in his last three home games. Arizona State will need a similar performance from him against a tough Texas Tech defense.
Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils kicker Jesus Gomez (35) kicks a field goal against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
Most of all, the team needs to maintain mental resilience in this game as the spotlight is put on the Valley. Players will need to step up under pressure and hold themselves accountable as the game progresses. It’s not easy to play against a team who have yet to lose this season.
The real question isn’t ASU’s ability to win, but whether it can regain the confidence Utah took away.
While no championship or trophy is on the line, ASU must approach this game as if higher stakes were involved. It’s a chance to move past its last loss and continue progressing as a team.
ASU’s next challenge isn’t about rankings or votes. It’s about relevance and proving to the nation that the defending Big 12 champions are still a force, if they can hang with the No. 7 team in the country.
Home Turf. Throwback Feel.
🆚: Texas Tech
🗓️: October 18
⏰: 1:00 PM
📍: Mountain America Stadium
📺: FOX
🎧: @AZSports 98.7 FM pic.twitter.com/etBoqBXPtj— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 14, 2025
Arizona State and Texas Tech will face off on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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