In a thrilling display of grit and determination, the Arizona State Sun Devils rallied from a 24-point deficit to defeat the Texas State Bobcats 30-27 on Saturday night. Led by the efforts of quarterback Trenton Bourguet and a resilient defense, the Sun Devils overcame a slow start to secure their first victory of the season.
The Arizona State Sun Devils endured a rollercoaster of emotions in their home opener against the Texas State Bobcats, ultimately emerging victorious after a thrilling comeback effort.
Arizona State Sun Devils Outlast Texas State Bobcats in Hard-Fought Victory
Trailing 24-0 midway through the second quarter, the Sun Devils' offense sparked to life. Quarterback Trenton Bourguet connected with wide receiver Elijhah Badger for a 49-yard touchdown, igniting a glimmer of hope for the home crowd.
Despite the deficit, Arizona State's defense remained steadfast, forcing a Bobcats punt and giving their offense another chance. This time, Bourguet orchestrated an 11-play, 75-yard drive capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Cam Skattebo.
Trailing 24-14 at the break, the Sun Devils came out firing in the second half. Bourguet found tight end Messiah Swinson for a 3-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to just three points.
With momentum on their side, Arizona State's defense stepped up once again, forcing the Bobcats into a three-and-out. The ensuing punt gave the Sun Devils excellent field position, and Bourguet wasted no time, connecting with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson for a 47-yard touchdown pass.
With the score now 28-24 in Arizona State's favor, the Bobcats refused to go down without a fight. Quarterback Layne Hatcher led Texas State on a 75-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Jahmyl Jeter.
Trailing 30-27 with less than five minutes remaining, the Sun Devils needed one final defensive stand. They rose to the occasion, forcing a Bobcats turnover on downs and sealing the hard-fought victory.
Bourguet finished the game with 293 passing yards and two touchdowns on 21-of-34 passing. Tyson led all receivers with six catches for 120 yards and a touchdown.
Skattebo was held to 62 yards on 24 carries but came up big with two crucial rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Kyle Soelle led the way for Arizona State with nine tackles, including two for loss. Defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera added five tackles and a sack.
For Texas State, Hatcher threw for 228 yards and a touchdown but was also intercepted once. Jeter led the rushing attack with 75 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
The Sun Devils will next travel to Oklahoma State for a non-conference clash, while the Bobcats will return home to face Incarnate Word.
