Arizona State vs Mississippi State: Key Moments, Player Stats, and Analysis
The highly anticipated college football matchup between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday, September 7, 2024, delivered plenty of excitement. This Week 2 non-conference clash at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, saw both teams put their 1-0 records on the line in what would be a game full of drama, momentum shifts, and standout performances.
While both teams came into the game undefeated, Arizona State managed to secure a hard-fought 30-23 victory, extending their early season win streak and making a statement against a formidable SEC opponent.
Cam Skattebo Shines: A Performance for the Ages
The star of the night was undoubtedly Cam Skattebo, whose jaw-dropping performance in the Arizona State backfield propelled his team to victory. Skattebo finished the game with an incredible 262 rushing yards on 33 carries, averaging just under eight yards per carry. His consistent ability to make plays on the ground, including several clutch runs in critical moments, was the driving force behind the Sun Devils’ success.
The most defining moment of the game came in the final minutes when Skattebo’s 39-yard run took the Sun Devils deep into Mississippi State territory. From there, Arizona State was able to run out the clock and secure the win. This was the kind of individual performance that will be remembered for years to come, particularly as Arizona State looks to build on its early season success.
A Tale of Two Halves: Arizona State’s Early Dominance
The game initially seemed to be a one-sided affair, with Arizona State dominating both offensively and defensively in the first half. The Sun Devils jumped out to a commanding 30-3 lead by the middle of the third quarter, largely on the back of a stellar rushing attack and a defence that smothered Mississippi State’s offence.
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State’s quarterback, also contributed heavily to the lead. Although his passing game was relatively quiet—completing 7-of-14 passes for 62 yards—Leavitt’s legs were a key weapon. He racked up 64 rushing yards on nine carries and added two rushing touchdowns, giving the Sun Devils crucial points at pivotal moments.
On defense, Arizona State brought constant pressure on Mississippi State’s quarterback, Blake Shapen, sacking him multiple times and forcing hurried throws. This aggressive approach stifled the Bulldogs’ offense for much of the first half.
Mississippi State’s Comeback Attempt
After trailing by 27 points, Mississippi State mounted an impressive comeback in the second half, scoring 20 unanswered points to pull within seven by the final minutes. The comeback was sparked by an explosive 80-yard touchdown pass from Shapen to Kevin Coleman Jr., cutting Arizona State’s lead to 30-23 with just over five minutes remaining in the game.
Shapen, despite struggling early, found his rhythm in the fourth quarter. He finished the game completing 15-of-24 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns, showing resilience and poise under pressure. His connection with wide receivers like Coleman and Davon Booth—who also caught a touchdown pass—gave the Bulldogs a fighting chance, but ultimately, their rally fell short.
Key Defensive Stops: ASU’s Defense Holds Strong
Despite Mississippi State’s late surge, Arizona State’s defense came up with critical stops when it mattered most. A pivotal sequence occurred in the fourth quarter when ASU sacked Shapen on two consecutive plays, halting a drive that could have tied the game. This defensive stand gave the Sun Devils enough breathing room to rely on their ground game and run out the clock.
Arizona State’s defense had been solid all game, limiting Mississippi State to just 82 total yards in the first half and forcing multiple three-and-outs. While the Bulldogs found more success in the second half, the Sun Devils’ ability to create pressure and force mistakes ultimately secured the win.
Stat Breakdown: Rushing Dominance vs Aerial Assault
The stat sheet tells the story of two contrasting offensive styles. Arizona State’s offense revolved around the ground game, amassing an impressive 208 rushing yards by halftime and finishing with 323 total rushing yards for the game. In contrast, Mississippi State struggled to establish any consistent rushing attack, finishing the game with just 31 rushing yards on 14 carries. Their offensive production largely came through the air, with Shapen’s passing providing the spark for their comeback.
Key player stats:
- Cam Skattebo (ASU): 33 carries, 262 yards, 1 touchdown
- Sam Leavitt (ASU): 7-for-14 passing, 62 yards; 9 carries, 64 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Blake Shapen (MSU): 15-for-24 passing, 166 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Kevin Coleman Jr. (MSU): 3 receptions, 94 yards, 1 touchdown
Turning Points: Crucial Moments in the Game
While Cam Skattebo’s performance was the headline, several other moments proved decisive:
- Sam Leavitt’s First-Half Touchdown Runs: Leavitt’s two rushing touchdowns in the first half set the tone for the game, putting Mississippi State on the back foot and forcing them to play catch-up for the rest of the contest.
- Defensive Touchdown by Arizona State: The Sun Devils’ defense once again proved its capability, scoring a touchdown off a fumble recovery by C.J. Fite after a sack by Clayton Smith. This play extended ASU’s lead to 20-3 in the second quarter and was instrumental in building a comfortable lead.
- Mississippi State’s Holding Penalty on 4th Down: Late in the game, Mississippi State appeared to have Arizona State stopped on a crucial 4th & 9. However, a holding penalty extended the Sun Devils’ drive, allowing them to burn more time off the clock.
- Skattebo’s Clutch 39-Yard Run: With the game hanging in the balance, Skattebo delivered a game-sealing 39-yard run, putting the Sun Devils in position to kneel out the game.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this win, Arizona State improves to 2-0 on the season, continuing to build momentum after a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2023. The Sun Devils will now turn their attention to the rest of their schedule, with hopes of making a splash in the Big 12 conference and potentially earning a bowl game berth.
Mississippi State, meanwhile, drops to 1-1 on the season but will look to rebound in upcoming SEC matchups. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs showed flashes of offensive potential and will need to build on their second-half performance as they move deeper into their schedule.
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Conclusion
In the end, Arizona State’s strong start, combined with Cam Skattebo’s brilliance and a timely defensive stand, allowed the Sun Devils to outlast Mississippi State in a 30-23 victory. While Mississippi State showed plenty of heart in their comeback attempt, the Sun Devils’ balanced attack and resilience under pressure carried the day.
Arizona State fans will certainly be excited about the team’s direction this season, while Mississippi State will hope to learn from this loss and come back stronger in their remaining games.
