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Football

ASU Football Defeats NAU in Season Opener, Despite "Ugly" Performance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Arizona State University's football team began their 2025 season with a 38-19 victory over Northern Arizona University's Lumberjacks. The game, played in front of a sold-out crowd at Mountain America Stadium on August 30, 2025, saw the Sun Devils' offense struggle to find rhythm, with head coach Kenny Dillingham describing the game as "ugly." Despite this, notable performances from redshirt sophomores Sam Leavitt and redshirt junior Jordyn Tyson helped the Sun Devils secure the win. Leavitt connected with Tyson for a touchdown, and also showcased his rushing abilities, scoring a 52-yard rushing touchdown in the second half.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sun Devils' offense struggled to find rhythm, with head coach Kenny Dillingham describing the game as "ugly."
  • Notable performances from redshirt sophomores Sam Leavitt and redshirt junior Jordyn Tyson helped the Sun Devils secure the win.
  • Leavitt connected with Tyson for a touchdown, and also showcased his rushing abilities, scoring a 52-yard rushing touchdown in the second half.
  • The Sun Devils had eight penalties for 63 yards, while the Lumberjacks had two penalties for 20 yards.
  • Head coach Kenny Dillingham praised Tyson's work ethic, stating that he "studies ball at a high rate," and takes care of his body.
  • The game marked the first meeting between Leavitt and Tyson in the 2025 season, who connected for ten touchdowns in 2024.

Statistics:

  • The Sun Devils won the game 38-19.
  • The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd at Mountain America Stadium on August 30, 2025.
  • The Sun Devils had 17 points at halftime, opposed to the Lumberjacks' 6 points.
  • The game saw a total of 11 penalties, with the Sun Devils committing 8 penalties for 63 yards.
  • Leavitt scored a 52-yard rushing touchdown in the second half.
  • The Lumberjacks hit 2 field goals, making it 3-3 in the third quarter.

Sources:

  • "ASU football defeats NAU in first game of the 2025 season" by Niall Rosenberg, on The State Press, August 31, 2025.

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