No. 21 Arizona State faces a significant challenge against Utah as star quarterback Sam Leavitt has been ruled out due to a lower-body injury, thrusting sixth-year senior Jeff Sims into the starting role for a pivotal Big 12 showdown with early conference title implications.
The highly anticipated Big 12 matchup between No. 21 Arizona State and Utah on Saturday evening just got a major plot twist. Starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, initially listed as probable, has been downgraded to doubtful and subsequently ruled out for the game. This unexpected development shifts the spotlight squarely onto backup Jeff Sims, who is now set to lead the Sun Devils in a critical conference battle.
A Sudden Downgrade: The Injury Timeline
The news regarding Leavitt’s status evolved rapidly. After appearing on the initial injury report as probable earlier in the week, he was then downgraded to doubtful on Thursday. The final decision came swiftly, with reports confirming he would be formally listed as out for the pivotal game in Utah. The reason for the sideline decision is a lower-body injury Leavitt suffered during the team’s 27-24 victory over the Baylor Bears on September 20.
According to a report by Pete Thamel, the decision to hold Leavitt out was a strategic one for the team’s future. “He’s played through it and pushed to play, but the staff made a decision to hold him out for the team’s long-term interest,” Thamel shared via X (formerly Twitter). This suggests a cautious approach from the Arizona State coaching staff, prioritizing player health over immediate game risks, particularly given the importance of the rest of the season. For more details on the initial report, you can reference the official statement from Pete Thamel.
Sims Takes the Helm: A Veteran’s Opportunity
With Leavitt sidelined, Jeff Sims is poised to take over as the starting quarterback for the Sun Devils. Sims brings significant experience to the position as a sixth-year senior. His journey through college football has seen him make stops at Georgia Tech and Nebraska before transferring to Arizona State ahead of the 2024 season. This game presents a monumental opportunity for Sims to prove his mettle and lead the Sun Devils in a high-stakes conference encounter.
Fans will be watching closely to see how Sims adapts to the pressure of a starting role in a game with such crucial implications. His dual-threat capabilities could offer a different dynamic to the Arizona State offense, potentially requiring adjustments from the coaching staff and a shift in offensive strategy against a formidable Utah defense.
Leavitt’s Impact: Reflecting on a Stellar 2024 Season
Sam Leavitt’s absence is particularly notable given his impressive performance in the 2024 season. He was a cornerstone of an Arizona State team that not only won the Big 12 but also secured a spot in the College Football Playoff. In that breakout year, Leavitt completed 216 of 350 passes for 2,885 yards and threw just six interceptions. Beyond his arm talent, he was also the team’s second-leading rusher, tallying 443 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and impact on every down. These crucial statistics highlight the caliber of player the Sun Devils will be without, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
Prior to the team’s bye week in Week 6, Leavitt played the entirety of Arizona State’s dramatic 27-24 comeback victory over TCU in Week 5. In that game, he was 27-of-39 passing for 291 yards and two touchdowns, adding 13 carries for 56 yards and another score on the ground. His leadership was evident as the Sun Devils rallied to score 10 points in the final two minutes to seal the win. This performance underscores his ability to thrive under pressure, making his absence even more keenly felt.
Big 12 Battleground: Conference Title Race Heats Up
Both Arizona State and Utah enter this pivotal matchup with identical 4-1 records. The game carries significant early-season implications for the Big 12 conference title race, with both teams eager to maintain pace in what is shaping up to be a crowded and competitive standings. The importance of this game is reflected in the betting market; Utah was initially a 5-point favorite at BetMGM, but the line shifted to 7.5 points once Leavitt was officially unlikely to play, illustrating the perceived impact of his absence.
Currently, only Texas Tech and BYU remain undefeated overall in the Big 12. Among teams who haven’t lost a conference game through the first six weeks, only Arizona State and Cincinnati join that exclusive group. This highlights the narrow margins and intense competition defining the early stages of the conference schedule. A win for either team on Saturday would provide a crucial boost in their pursuit of the conference championship.
Fan Outlook: Navigating the Uncertainty
For the dedicated fan community, the news of Leavitt’s absence brings a mix of apprehension and anticipation. While there’s understandable concern over losing a proven playmaker, there’s also an element of excitement to see what Jeff Sims can bring to the table. Discussions on fan forums are likely to center on Sims’ potential impact, the adjustments the coaching staff might make, and the long-term wisdom of prioritizing Leavitt’s recovery.
The collective hope remains that Arizona State can overcome this challenge and continue its strong season. The decision to rest Leavitt, while potentially impactful in the short term, speaks to a broader strategy of ensuring their star quarterback is healthy for the crucial stretch runs later in the season. The game kicks off at 10:15 p.m. ET in Utah, broadcasting live on ESPN.
