As ASU released its injury report on Thursday, Oct. 9, sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt was listed as doubtful to play. This news came after Leavitt was listed as probable to play all week.

If the Sun Devils’ signal caller cannot start on Saturday, veteran senior quarterback Jeff Sims would likely get the nod under center.

Regardless of the situation, ASU prepares to battle off a bye week.

After a full 14 days off for the Sun Devils and a big win against TCU on a Friday, Sept. 26, ASU now faces a challenging road environment highlighted by forecasted wet and cold conditions for the game’s 7:15 p.m. MST kickoff on Oct. 11 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Since the heartbreaking loss against Mississippi State in Week 2, the Sun Devils’ offense has looked stellar. The squad has scored 27-plus points in the last three games and accumulated 400-plus total offensive yards, including their highest total of the season, 498, against TCU. 

The offense is led by a dynamic run game, mixed with play-action passes. Junior running back Raleek Brown has rushed for 100-plus yards in three of the Sun Devils' games, putting him second in total yards rushing in the Big 12. 

Leavitt had one of the best performances of his career against the Horned Frogs, as he threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns, adding 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. 

Building off the effective run game is the star play of junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who is currently tied first for receiving touchdowns, reeling in seven of them. Tyson had two TDs last game against TCU, marking his second multi-touchdown game this season. 

However, a storyline surrounding ASU for the entire season has been getting other receivers and tight ends involved in the mix. Sophomore wide receivers Jaren Hamilton and Derek Eusebio both had big catches the last two weeks. Hamilton had a clutch 44-yard catch against TCU, and Eusebio had a late-game 61-yard reception against Baylor to seal the game. 

Junior wide receiver Jalen Moss returns this week from injury after missing the past four games. Moss was a highly sought-after recruit in the transfer portal after his impressive career at Fresno State. 

On the defensive side, senior linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and senior defensive lineman Jordan Crook lead the charge. Elliott currently has 37 total tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, which puts him third in the Big 12.

Jordan Crook leads the Sun Devils with 40 total tackles, while also adding two sacks to the mix. Crook won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after his star performance against Texas State on Sept. 13. 

ASU’s defensive squad acquired another award after the TCU game two weeks ago. Senior defensive lineman Prince Dorbah –who had four tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and recovery – won the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the second for the Sun Devils this season. 

Dorbah’s strip sack took the ball away from Horned Frogs’ quarterback Josh Hoover with under two minutes left in the game, putting ASU in the perfect scenario to win the game. 

On the other sideline, Utah has looked unstoppable outside of a 34-17 loss to Texas Tech back on Sept. 20. The Utes have put up 40-plus points in three of their five games so far, including an impressive 63-point performance against Cal Poly. 

Junior quarterback Devon Dampier leads the high-flying offense. The dual-threat quarterback has surpassed 1,000 yards passing on the season, adding an impressive 11 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Dampier also has 258 yards rushing and two TDs.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham prides himself on always having an impressive passing attack with many different offensive weapons. Senior wide receiver Ryan Davis leads the room with 348 yards and two touchdowns. 

Yet 14 different roster members have a singular catch in Utah’s first five games. Senior tight end Dallen Bentley has 246 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing that the Utes love their tight ends and expect them to be a massive part of the offensive movement.

The Utes’ defense has also been undeniable against most of their opponents. Outside of Texas Tech, opponents have scored 14 or fewer points against Utah in all but three games, including instances where the opponent scored 10 or fewer.

A combined team effort leads this defensive prowess, with five different players having 20-plus tackles. The defensive squad also has six interceptions against opposing quarterbacks, tied for third in the conference.

Both of the Big 12 foes aim to continue momentum and climb atop the Big 12 standings, yet much remains uncertain about the Sun Devils’ quarterback position with under 48 hours to kickoff.