It was a thunderous Saturday night in Oklahoma as Arizona State took on Oklahoma State, battling both the Cowboys and the elements in a game full of suspense, strategic moves, and electrifying plays.
First Quarter: Setting the Stage
In a rain-soaked Stillwater, Oklahoma, Arizona State stepped onto the field with one goal: keep their Big 12 title hopes alive. The conditions may have been less than ideal, but the Sun Devils were ready to seize their moment.
From the start, Arizona State's offense was on fire. On their opening drive, Tyson broke free with a dazzling run, evading tackles and finding the end zone. That early touchdown set the tone, challenging Oklahoma State’s defense and giving Arizona State a much-needed boost of momentum.
Second Quarter: Oklahoma State Strikes Back
Oklahoma State’s defense initially struggled to contain the Sun Devils, but they soon dug in, determined to turn the tide. A big play saw quarterback Bowman taking an outside shot, connecting with his receiver, and setting up a crucial touchdown by Presley on a perfectly executed play fake.
Then came the drama. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty led to the ejection of Justin Wattley, putting Arizona State in prime position. The crowd was buzzing, the rain relentless, and the stakes rising with each possession.
Third Quarter: Power Plays and Defensive Stands
After the half, Oklahoma State’s defense locked in, adjusting their focus to slow down Arizona State’s potent rushing attack. But stopping running back Cam Scabo was no easy task. Scabo, who bulldozed through multiple defenders with nearly every touch, showed a relentless drive, proving tough to bring down with only one tackler.
Oklahoma State’s defense held their ground, even forcing Levit to scramble out of pressure on a risky fourth down. Yet, Arizona State's strategic play-calling opened the door for Scabo to break free again, adding another touchdown to Arizona State’s tally and keeping the Sun Devils firmly in control.
Fourth Quarter: Arizona State Seals the Deal
The Sun Devils' dynamic duo of Levit and Scabo continued to find cracks in the Cowboys’ defense, with Scabo racking up over 100 yards receiving and adding another score. With OSU desperately trying to claw back, the Cowboys mounted one last attempt. Freshman Vahi broke through for a late-game touchdown, providing a glimmer of hope for Oklahoma State fans.
However, Arizona State had one final answer. After a two-and-a-half-hour game suspension due to lightning, the Sun Devils returned with renewed energy and held off the Cowboys’ final efforts. Their resilience paid off as they cruised to victory with a decisive lead, further solidifying their place in the Big 12 race.
Key Takeaways
Cam Scabo’s Dominance: Scabo was a powerhouse, rushing and receiving for over 100 yards, including two touchdowns through the air. His ability to break tackles and keep plays alive was crucial to Arizona State's success.
Defensive Adjustments: Although Oklahoma State found ways to slow the Sun Devils in the third quarter, the early damage was done, and Arizona State kept up the pressure.
Weather Delays and Mental Fortitude: The lightning delay could have slowed Arizona State's momentum, but the Sun Devils came out stronger, showcasing their focus and determination in tough conditions.
Looking Ahead
For Arizona State, this win keeps their Big 12 title hopes alive and positions them well in the conference standings. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address some key defensive gaps if they want to stay competitive in the coming weeks.
As we head deeper into November, every game counts. Arizona State’s performance in this high-stakes matchup highlights their ability to play under pressure, and fans can’t wait to see how they carry this momentum forward.
Arizona State’s victory over Oklahoma State was a gritty battle that showcased the power of a well-coordinated offense, even in harsh conditions. With playoff implications on the line, the Sun Devils’ resilience and Scabo’s unmatched performance will be remembered as one of the highlights of this season.