COACHJEFFDEMERS
Arizona State Outlasts Iowa State 24–19 in Gritty Road Win
Sunday, November 02, 2025
AMES, Iowa — On a cold November afternoon in Jack Trice Stadium, Arizona State walked into a hostile Big 12 environment and walked out with one of its toughest, most resilient wins of the season. Behind a punishing ground attack and a defense that came up with the game-saving stop when it mattered most, the Sun Devils defeated Iowa State 24–19 on Saturday, moving to 6–3 (4–2 Big 12) and keeping their conference title hopes alive.
With starting quarterback Sam Leavitt sidelined again due to injury, the game belonged to backup quarterback Jeff Sims, who didn’t just manage the offense—he took it over. Sims rushed for over 200 yards on the ground, including the defining moment of the night: an 88-yard burst up the right sideline that turned a tight game into a two-score advantage and silenced the Iowa State crowd.
Arizona State controlled the tempo early, leaning on the run game, short passing, and possession-based drives that forced the Cyclones’ defense to stay on the field. The Sun Devils took a 17–10 lead into halftime after a balanced series of methodical drives and red-zone execution that’s been inconsistent this season, but found its rhythm when needed.
Iowa State, however, wouldn’t go quietly. With a desperate home crowd urging them forward, the Cyclones clawed back into the game, converting third-downs and chipping the deficit to just 24–19 late in the fourth. A long, grinding Cyclone drive brought them to the ASU 20-yard line with under a minute to play. The stadium was shaking. Momentum had shifted. And the Sun Devils' season hung in the balance.
Then the defense answered.
On 4th-and-6, Arizona State’s front generated pressure off the edge, forcing an off-platform throw that fell incomplete — sealing the win and sending the Sun Devil sideline into eruption. It was a bend-but-don’t-break performance, and when the break nearly came, the defense held the line.
Why ASU Won
- Jeff Sims’ Legs Changed the Game: The rushing threat turned broken plays into explosive gains.
- Defensive Red-Zone Toughness: Iowa State settled for field goals in key moments.
- Resilience Under Adversity: No Leavitt. No Tyson. On the road. And still found answers.
What Still Needs Work
- Penalties: ASU gave away too many free yards, extending drives that should’ve ended.
- Third-Down Consistency: Sustaining offensive rhythm remains a challenge.
- Passing Balance: At times, it was clear the Cyclones didn’t fear the deep ball.
What’s Next
This win keeps Arizona State firmly in the upper tier of the Big 12 standings. With November football turning into elimination season, the Sun Devils now move into the stretch where identity, focus, and discipline will define whether they return to the conference championship stage.
If this performance is any indication — they’re not done chasing hardware.
Hi, I'm Jeff Demers
Sports Director for Sports Media X/Coach Jeff Demers
"For the past ten years, I've been deeply immersed in the world of Valley sports. I wear many hats, serving not only as a Sports Director but also as a journalist, photographer, podcaster, and the creator of the "Sports Media X" program, dedicated to building sports media brands. Beyond my sports endeavors, I'm a fervent entrepreneur and a business coach, specializing in marketing and sales for small businesses."
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