ASU's 20-point rally ends in 27-20 loss to No. 8 BYU
True freshman quarterback Jake Fette tied the game in the third quarter, but a final 95-yard drive by BYU secured the win for the Cougars.
By Rosa Wojcik ·
Arizona State failed to close out a 20-point deficit against the No. 8 ranked BYU Cougars on Saturday in Provo, Utah. The Sun Devils lost 27-20 despite a late surge that brought them within one score. The defeat drops ASU to a 4-4 overall record and 2-3 in Big 12 conference play.
The game featured a difficult start for true freshman quarterback Jake Fette, who made his first career start. The offensive line allowed six sacks in the first half, and Fette fumbled on the third play of the game. BYU capitalized on the error, taking a 7-0 lead just four minutes into the contest. The Sun Devils managed only a field goal in response, leaving them trailing 10-3 at the half.
ASU changed its approach after intermission. Head coach Kenny Dillingham said the team simplified the playbook to help Fette. The adjustment worked as the Sun Devils mounted a comeback in the third quarter. Fette completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Omarion Miller, then found tight end Anthony Miller for a game-tying score late in the period. The offensive line improved, limiting the damage in the second half.
Running back Cardae Mack provided a steady ground game, rushing for 123 yards. He finished with over 100 yards for the third time in four games. The Sun Devils defense also performed well, holding BYU to an average of 1.6 yards per carry on 30 attempts. The defensive unit forced two turnovers and limited the Cougars to just three completed third-down conversions.
BYU reclaimed the lead with 3:00 left in the fourth quarter after a 45-yard field goal. The Cougars then executed a 95-yard drive that pinned ASU back. BYU converted a fourth down inside the ASU 10-yard line and scored on a one-yard run by Sione Moa. Dillingham noted the team needs to be more aggressive in such late-game scenarios.
ASU cut the deficit to 27-20 with a 44-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining. The Sun Devils attempted an onside kick to force a last-minute drive, but BYU recovered the ball. Fette finished the game 22 of 42 for 166 yards and two touchdowns. He acknowledged the need for a better first-half performance in high-stakes games.
The Sun Devils return home next week to face Colorado. The Buffaloes improved to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play with a 27-24 overtime victory over Kansas State. ASU requires two more wins to become bowl eligible in the final stretch of the season.
