This is why Sam Leavitt struggled against Houston

Sam Leavitt is a quarterback of Arizona State who came into the match on Saturday against the Houston Cougars with high expectations. However, the game turned into one of his most challenging outings of the season as Houston’s defense relentlessly disrupted his rhythm and confidence throughout the night.

An Embryonic Gap and Broken Pulse

Leavitt started having troubles in the first quarter when he received a hard hit during a scramble, but despite that, he was momentarily off the field under evaluation. The premature stoppage destroyed the offensive rhythm of the Sun Devils at the right time when Houston had already begun to take the lead. Arizona State was left to play an uphill task without the early momentum in the game.

Personal Miscommunication and Missed Opportunities

The Sun Devils’ offense struggled with coordination, failing to convert on third downs and being unable to advance the ball effectively toward the goal line. There were a number of miscommunications between Leavitt and his receivers that led to incompletions in crucial moments, halting potential scoring opportunities.

The lack of playmakers caused by injuries further undermined the unit with the capacity to stretch the field and offer Leavitt good choices.

The defensive team of Houston must be credited a lot, as they made Leavitt leave his comfort zone. The front seven of the Cougars always crushed the pocket. Leavitt would have a very short time to read the field and to develop a steady passing rhythm.

Their disciplined secondary prevented deep plays, and Arizona State had to depend on short-yardage passes. It did not create any consistent momentum.

Playing From Behind

By halftime, Houston had set an insurmountable lead, and Arizona State had no other option but to play in a reactive game. Leavitt was charged with staging hasty advancements with a defense first read to his habits. Although he was able to create some rhythm during the fourth quarter, the initial deficit was too big to overcome.