Raleek Brown shattered expectations with a historic 255-yard rushing night and two pivotal touchdowns, fueling Arizona State’s 42-17 statement win over Colorado and propelling the Sun Devils into the final Big 12 title race conversation.
The Arizona State Sun Devils (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) stormed into Boulder and left with their postseason dreams still burning bright, thanks to a record-setting ground assault by Raleek Brown. The sophomore running back gashed Colorado for 255 rushing yards—the third-highest single-game total in school history—highlighted by a dramatic 88-yard touchdown run that broke the game wide open in the fourth quarter.
This emphatic 42-17 win keeps ASU in mathematical contention for the Big 12 championship, intensifying the stakes for the regular season finale against in-state rival Arizona.
Why Raleek Brown’s Night Changes Everything
Brown’s outing wasn’t just big—it was historic. Averaging 11.6 yards per carry, his performance trails only Eno Benjamin’s 312-yard record in 2018 and last season’s 262-yard surge from Cam Skattebo. Brown ripped off chunk gains all night, displaying speed, vision, and resilience after a third-quarter fumble nearly gave Colorado momentum, only to answer with the game-sealing long touchdown on his next carry. Brown also flashed his versatility with a 33-yard touchdown reception on a bold fourth-down call.
The Sun Devils finished with 355 rushing yards and 580 total yards, overcoming four turnovers behind a stout defense that limited Colorado to just three points off those miscues. Brown’s rise gives ASU a dynamic star at precisely the moment the offense needed a spark to drive postseason ambitions.
Implications for the Big 12 Title Race
With one week left, Arizona State still needs help—Texas Tech and BYU each hold just one league loss. But the Sun Devils’ victory keeps them mathematically alive and puts immense pressure on their rivals to avoid slipups. Fans and analysts alike will be scoreboard watching the Big 12’s closing weekend, as multiple permutations could send ASU to the conference title game. Official conference standings highlight just how congested and competitive the Big 12 race has been in 2025 [AP News – official standings].
The stakes are magnified by the potential for a signature rivalry win over Arizona to cap the regular season, adding to the Sun Devils’ motivation and their resume for both conference and bowl selection committees.
Kenny Dillingham’s ASU Rebuild Gains Traction
This season marks back-to-back years with winning road records for Arizona State—the first time since 2013-14. That’s a clear sign of the culture turnaround under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham. The win at Folsom Field, where ASU outscored Colorado 29-10 in the second half, underlines not just resilience, but the team’s ability to finish strong amid pressure and adversity.
“It’s huge being getting to eight wins, with everything we’ve been through and keeping meaningful football alive,” Dillingham emphasized after the game. ASU’s growing confidence, stars emerging, and big-play ability are giving fans real hope that a new chapter is unfolding in Tempe.
Colorado’s Struggles Continue—but Seeds of Promise Remain
For Colorado (3-8, 1-7 Big 12), the problems that have plagued Deion Sanders’ third season were on display: inconsistent execution, costly turnovers, and struggles containing explosive playmakers. Yet key positives emerged—attendance at Folsom Field averaged a robust 50,469, reflecting sustained excitement in the Sanders era [AP News – college football coverage], and freshman quarterback Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis gained valuable experience in live-fire situations.
- Lewis finished 19-of-38 for 161 yards with a touchdown, but took four sacks behind a battered offensive line.
- Despite late-game difficulties, the Buffs trailed only 13-7 at halftime, showing the potential Sanders expects on a weekly basis.
- For Lewis, redshirt eligibility remains possible if he sits in the season finale, giving coaches a decision point with long-term consequences for roster management.
Fan-Driven Highlights and What-Ifs
Fans won’t soon forget Brown’s rapid redemption after his fumble, or his end zone “Deion Shuffle” celebration, a nod to the former NFL legend now coaching Colorado.
Other wild moments included a security guard’s textbook tackle of a fan intruder, and a rare punter-to-defensive tackle conversion on a Sun Devils’ trick play, as Kanyon Floyd hit Blazen Lono-Wong for a crucial first down.
Receiver Jordyn Tyson nearly torched his old team on a trick pass play, narrowly missing what would have been a highlight-reel touchdown against his Colorado transfer teammates.
What’s Next: The Big Finish—and Bowl Stakes
- Arizona State hosts bitter rival Arizona in the “Territorial Cup” on Friday. Everything—rivalry pride, championship chances, and bowl positioning—is on the line.
- Colorado wraps up at Kansas State, aiming for one last victory and clarity on Lewis’ redshirt status heading into 2026.
The Big 12 title chase will likely come down to tiebreakers and late-night scoreboard watching. Whether Brown’s heroics ignite a Sun Devil run for the ages remains to be seen—but ASU fans have every reason to believe the best is yet to come.
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