Arizona State Sun Devils (3-1) went into the Big 12 game on Saturday hoping to build on their win over Baylor last week. However, they lost to the 24th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs 17-14 at halftime inside Sun Devil Stadium.
First-Half Summary
The first score came as a 13-yard TD by Trent Battle in the first quarter. The Horned Frogs developed their lead in the second quarter, where Jeremy Payne charged in and scored a 7-yard touchdown, and Nate McCashland followed that with a 27-yard field goal to put the game at 17-0.
Arizona State responded stoutly. Sam Leavitt, the quarterback, threw a 57-yard pass to Jordyn Tyson, and then he drove a memorable drive ending with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, leading the Sun Devils within 3 points of halftime.
Key Highlights of the Half-Time
TCU was able to succeed in its ground campaign when starting RB Kevorian Barnes was not present, as Battle and Payne scored two touchdowns.
Although Arizona State lost five contributors to its players, the defense created pressure, with the big moment being a 13-yard sack of the TCU quarterback Joshua Hoover by Elijah O’Neal.
Dual threat play by Sam Leavitt gave ASU some momentum with an explosive play of passing and a clutch rushing t-score.
The momentum has switched to the side of Arizona State following back-to-back scoring drives, but TCU still controls the scoreboard. The second half will be the reason the Sun Devils can maintain their comeback, or the depth and offensive balance of the Horned Frogs will be a decisive factor.
Halftime: TCU 17, Arizona State 14.