TEMPE- Redshirt senior quarterback Jeff Sims started for the Arizona State Sun Devils for the second straight game, but this time, at home in front of its fans at Mountain America Stadium.
After an impressive performance against Iowa State just two weeks ago, he embraced his role as the starting quarterback for the third time this season, filling in for injured Sam Leavitt.
Not to mention that one of Sims' game-worn white jerseys was framed inside the Sun Devils Athletics Hall of Fame after record-breaking performance on the road.
“It was a blessing," Sims said Saturday. "Anytime you get to come home, don't have to travel, get to play with your guys, it was just a blessing to be out there. I'm glad that we got the dub.”
Once the game clock went down to zero seconds, head coach Kenny Dillingham hugged Sims after Arizona State won another close game over West Virginia at home.
Dillingham and Sims share a strong brotherhood, fostering their relationship both on and off the field.
In his third game as Arizona State's starting quarterback, Sims completed 19 of 28 passes for 207 yards and threw three touchdowns, all in the second quarter.
“Like I said 18 months ago, we have two NFL quarterbacks on our team," Dillingham said. "People laughed at me and thought I was crazy, but I still believe that. Jeff Sims is a guy who can play on Sundays. For him to be able to get this opportunity is super cool. Coach Arroyo and I like to joke about what’s right in the universe for him to go out and be successful because he’s a good kid ... He was fired up…it’s great for him to get a win.”
There was miscommunication at the beginning of the game for the Sun Devils' offense, likely due to the team coming off a bye week.
However, once the second quarter began, Arizona State got back on track and built momentum, leading to another close win.
“We started off slow, and then we had a mishap on the first play of the game," Sims said. "But it's just going out there and just getting used to everything, getting into the flow of the game. We had a bye week, so just getting back into the flow of the game and just getting our rhythm back.”
West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rodriguez had a game plan focused on slowing down Sims' running game. However, the Mountaineers' defense struggled due to penalties.
Despite this, Rodriguez acknowledged the positive performance of Sims and his Sun Devils teammates.
“He was throwing the ball with some success," Rodriguez said. "He had 81 yards rushing; they didn't run as much, but we gave them first downs to win the game on penalties. It’s not good enough to be undisciplined and win games. We played hard, but you're supposed to play hard, that's a given.”
For Arizona State, it is essential to stick together as teammates and focus on winning games, something they have achieved despite facing adversity both on and off the field due to injuries.
“I told the guys in the locker room some people find ways to win, some people find ways to lose.’ ," Dillingham said. "Some are quiet and successful, versus those that are loud and successful. Some people are alphas, some people aren’t.
"There’s so many ways to be successful in football and in life. Some people like controversy, some people hate it. Do you get it done or not? Our guys get it done. That’s what I told them. It’s a great lesson that nobody cares about the pain ... We're getting it done and it’s so cool to watch.”
As the Sun Devils compete for a chance at the Big 12 Championship game, they have only two games left to play and will need some help from other teams in the conference.
Sims is a promising candidate for future NFL quarterback at Arizona State under Dillingham, and the team has some more work to do.