True Freshman QB Leads ASU Rally, Falls 27-20 at No. 8 BYU

Arizona State University lost 27-20 to No. 8 BYU on Saturday in Provo, Utah, capping a game that featured a third-quarter rally and a decisive late drive by the home team. The result drops the Sun Devils to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Big 12 play. Head coach Kenny Dillingham noted that his players responded to the challenge, stating they played the way he wanted them to.

True freshman quarterback Jake Fette made his first career start in the hostile environment of BYU’s stadium. Fette struggled early, suffering six sacks in the first half, but found his rhythm after halftime. He threw two touchdowns in the third quarter to tie the game at 17. The first came on a 20-yard fade to wide receiver Omarion Miller. The second followed a gritty drive that included two fourth-down conversions, ending with a touchdown pass to tight end Anthony Miller from the one-yard line.

Running back Cardae Mack provided a steady ground game, rushing for 123 yards. The Sun Devil defense limited BYU to 1.6 yards per carry on 30 attempts, forcing the Cougars to convert only three of 13 third-down chances. ASU also generated two turnovers, including a pick-six by Montana Warren late in the first half.

BYU reclaimed the lead with a 45-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. The Cougars then executed a 95-yard drive that ended with a one-yard run by Sione Moa, putting them up 24-20. ASU cut the deficit to 27-20 with a 44-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining, but BYU recovered the ensuing onside kick to secure the win. Dillingham acknowledged the team needed to be more aggressive in that final scenario.

Fette finished the game 22-for-42 for 166 passing yards. He admitted he needed a better start in the first half, saying the offense had to simplify things for him. Dillingham added that the offensive line showed improvement in the second half despite personnel changes. The Sun Devils will return home next week to host Colorado, which improved to 3-5 with an overtime win over Kansas State.

The team now faces four remaining games on the schedule. Dillingham expressed pride in how the young players performed under difficult conditions. Fette said he loves being in hostile environments and wants to win football games. Mack described the team’s approach as building chemistry and trusting each other as the season progresses.