TEMPE, Ariz. — In a game defined by wild swings, defensive stands, explosive plays, and one of the grittiest finishes of the Sun Devils’ season, Arizona State held on for a nail-biting 25–23 victory over the visiting West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday morning at Mountain America Stadium.

With the win, Arizona State improves to 7–3 overall and 5–2 in the Big 12, keeping their late-season momentum alive and moving one step closer to a top-tier bowl opportunity.

FIRST QUARTER — Slow Starts and a Defensive Stand

Both offenses opened the game searching for rhythm—and neither found much early.

Arizona State went three-and-out on its opening possession, and West Virginia responded with a methodical march deep into Sun Devil territory. ASU stiffened inside the red zone, forcing WVU to settle for a 32-yard field goal by Kade Hensley to take a 3–0 lead with 8:41 left in the first.

The Sun Devils' offense stalled again, punting the ball away and gifting West Virginia strong field position. The Mountaineers twice converted on fourth down, including a bold 4th-and-2 pass from Scotty Fox Jr. to Jarod Bowie, but ASU’s defense stood tall when it mattered most.

Inside the 10, Martell Hughes broke up a 4th-and-short pass, turning WVU away and setting the tone for a grinder of a first quarter.

ASU finally found life in the closing seconds of the period as Jeff Sims scrambled for ASU’s first first down of the game, helping flip field position.

End of 1: West Virginia 3, Arizona State 0

SECOND QUARTER — Sun Devils Find Their Spark

The second quarter belonged to Arizona State.

Sims found the passing attack, mixing throws with inside zone runs to engineer the Sun Devils’ first scoring drive. He capped it with a touchdown strike to Chamon Metayer, giving ASU a 7–3 lead with 11:17 left in the half.

On the next West Virginia possession, ASU’s defense blew the drive apart when Anthonie Cooper exploded into the backfield for a 14-yard sack, forcing a shanked punt that set ASU up near midfield.

It didn’t take long for ASU to cash in. Sims connected with Derek Eusebio on a 19-yard touchdown, and the Sun Devils added a surprise two-point fake PAT, with Cameron Harpole hauling in the conversion to make it 15–3.

But West Virginia answered instantly. On the very next play, Fox Jr. hit Jeff Weimer over the middle for a 75-yard bomb, trimming the lead to 15–10.

Sims wasn’t rattled. With time winding down, he found Raleek Brown on a 33-yard strike, stretching ASU’s lead to 22–10 with 1:41 remaining.

Halftime: Arizona State 22, West Virginia 10

THIRD QUARTER — Missed Chances and a Scary Injury

West Virginia opened the second half determined, driving all the way to the ASU 1-yard line. But the Sun Devils delivered one of the biggest goal-line stands of the season, stuffing a 4th-and-goal attempt to protect the lead.
ASU tried to capitalize but stalled after penalties and a fumble by Sims on 4th-and-1, giving WVU new life.

Then the game paused on a frightening moment.

ASU defender Rodney Bimage Jr. went down on a tackle, motionless for several minutes. A stretcher was brought out, but in a moment that lifted the entire stadium, Bimage Jr. was able to get to his feet and walk off with assistance.

The Sun Devil defense then forced a punt, and ASU moved into scoring range as the third quarter expired.

End of 3: Arizona State 22, West Virginia 10

FOURTH QUARTER — Chaos Ensues

The fourth quarter delivered pure chaos.

ASU’s opening drive stalled, and WVU blocked a field goal to keep the door open.

Moments later, Curtis Jones Jr. scored on a 1-yard run, trimming the lead to 22–17 with 10:41 remaining.

After a quick ASU punt, West Virginia faced 3rd-and-27 on its own 10. The Sun Devils looked ready to get the ball back—but Scotty Fox Jr. dumped off a short pass to Cyncir Bowers, who broke tackles and turned a routine check-down into a shocking 90-yard touchdown.

WVU’s two-point try failed, but the Mountaineers now led 23–22, stunning the home crowd.

FINAL MINUTES — Gomez Delivers, Defense Finishes

Down one with 6:31 left, ASU needed a drive—and got one.

The Sun Devils moved into WVU territory behind Sims’ poise and Brown’s physical running. With 2:44 left, Jesus Gomez drilled a 49-yard field goal, putting Arizona State back on top 25–23.

West Virginia got one final chance.

Facing 4th-and-4 from their own 44, the Mountaineers attempted to keep the game alive—but the ASU defense slammed the door shut.

​Ballgame.

FINAL SCORE: Arizona State 25, West Virginia 23

Records

NEXT UP

​Arizona State hits the road for a conference matchup with Colorado on November 22nd as they continue their push toward a premier Big 12 bowl bid.