ASU Holds Off Mississippi State, Secures First-Ever SEC Victory

Arizona State clinches a historic 30-23 win over Mississippi State, led by Cam Skattebo's 262 rushing yards.Photo byEmily VanceonUnsplash

TEMPE— Arizona State University made history on Saturday night, defeating Mississippi State 30-23 in a nail-biting finish at Mountain America Stadium. The win moves ASU to 2-0 on the season

The Sun Devils, who had built a commanding 27-3 halftime lead, withstood a late comeback by the Bulldogs to earn their first-ever victory over an SEC opponent.

Led by standout running back Cam Skattebo, who rushed for a career-high 262 yards on 33 carries, ASU’s ground game proved crucial in holding off the Bulldogs’ rally.

Skattebo was the workhorse, carrying the Sun Devils’ offense throughout the game, including key runs late in the fourth quarter that helped Arizona State control the clock and secure the win.

ASU dominated the first half, with Sam Leavitt scoring two rushing touchdowns and Skattebo consistently breaking through the Bulldogs' defense.

The Sun Devils amassed 208 rushing yards in the first half alone, while their defense held Mississippi State to just 82 total yards and -13 yards rushing.

The defense also made its presence felt on the scoreboard. Early in the second quarter, Clayton Smith forced a fumble from Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen, which C.J. Fite recovered and stretched into the end zone, putting ASU up 20-3.

At halftime, ASU held a 27-3 lead and looked in complete control, with Mississippi State struggling to gain any offensive momentum.

However, Mississippi State found its rhythm in the second half, beginning with a touchdown run by Keyvone Lee late in the third quarter.

The Bulldogs continued to claw back in the fourth quarter, scoring twice more, including a 15-yard touchdown pass from Shapen to Davon Booth and a stunning 80-yard touchdown catch and run by Kevin Coleman Jr.

The Bulldogs’ quick-strike offense brought them within seven points with 5:27 remaining in the game. Shapen finished with 269 passing yards, completing 18 of 28 passes, including two touchdowns.

With momentum shifting in favor of Mississippi State, ASU’s defense stepped up once again. On the Bulldogs' final possession, the Sun Devils sacked Shapen twice, forcing a punt and allowing the offense to run valuable time off the clock.

Skattebo came through with critical first-down runs that drained the remaining minutes and sealed the victory.

Leavitt, though quiet in the air with just 69 passing yards on 10-for-20 attempts, was instrumental on the ground, adding 68 rushing yards on 11 carries, including two key touchdowns.

Kicker Ian Hershey added to ASU’s scoring with two long field goals, including a 47-yarder that pushed the lead to 30-3 early in the third quarter.

Final Score: ASU 30, Mississippi State 23

ASU will hit the road to face Texas State at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 in its next game.