Sun Devils score late to defeat Jayhawks 35-31

TEMPE, Arizona. – In a game that featured five lead changes in the fourth quarter, Arizona State scored a touchdown with 16 seconds left to beat Kansas 35-31 on Saturday night in the teams' first-ever meeting.

It was a hot 107 degrees at kickoff at Mountain America Stadium, and both teams got off to a good start by scoring on their opening drives. Arizona State started first with a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Leavitt to Xavier Guillory.

Kansas responded to a 22-yard rushing touchdown by the redshirt junior quarterback with a touchdown of their own Jalon Danielswho completed a 10-play, 75-yard drive to tie the score at 7-7 with 6:24 left in the first quarter. The rushing touchdown was Daniels' third of the season and the 16th of his career.

After the quarter break with the score tied 7-7, Kansas took its first lead of the game with a 30-yard touchdown strike from Daniels to the senior wide receiver Quentin Skinnerhis first touchdown reception of the season. The score gave Kansas a 14-7 lead with 11:45 left before halftime.

Looking for an answer, Arizona State invaded Kansas' possession and attempted a 38-yard field goal on their next drive. However, the Jayhawks blocked the attempt as a defensive lineman Kenean Caldwell was involved in the kick and recorded KU's first blocked field goal since 2022.

After a Jayhawk punt, ASU again tried to get into position to score, but the senior cornerback Mello Dotson ASU's Jordyn Tyson stripped the ball and recovered, ending another threat into Kansas territory. Kansas took the lead with a three-pointer on its next possession, and the Sun Devils ended the half with a four-play, 58-yard scoring drive to tie the game at 14-14 at halftime.

After the second half: Opening field goal by senior kicker Tabor AllenArizona State drove down the field into the red zone, only to be intercepted by a redshirt senior Devin Dye in the end zone.

However, Kansas was unable to capitalize on the turnover and Arizona State scored on a 1-yard touchdown run by Skattebo early in the fourth quarter to reclaim the lead 21-17.

The Jayhawks got back into the game on the following possession and regained the lead at 24-21 with a 31-yard touchdown from the senior Devin Neal. The touchdown rush was Neal's fifth of the season and the 38th of his career.

Arizona State responded again with a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to regain the lead 28-24 with 6:19 to play.

Daniels made another go-ahead score, this time driving the Jayhawks 69 yards in six plays to regain the lead. The scoring drive ended with Skinner going full overtime as he scored his second touchdown of the night, a 34-yard touchdown from Daniels that put the Jayhawks on top 31-28 with 2:04 to play.

But as they had done all night, the Sun Devils responded. This time, ASU's scoring drive traveled 75 yards in eight plays and ended with a three-yard touchdown pass from Leavitt to Tyson with just 16 seconds left.

Kansas had one last chance, but Daniels' final Hail Mary pass attempt was deflected in the end zone, allowing the Sun Devils to clinch the conference victory.

NEXT

After an open week, the Jayhawks return to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to host the Houston Cougars on Saturday, October 19th. Kick-off time and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.