“Victory Tempered” aptly describes the Arizona State Sun Devils’ season opener. The No. 11 Sun Devils commenced their 2025 campaign with a 38-19 triumph over the No. 18 FCS Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on Saturday, August 30th. The sold-out Mountain America Stadium in Tempe witnessed a game where ASU, coming off a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance in 2024, battled not only their opponent but also a significant number of self-inflicted penalties. According to Sun Devil Athletics, the game was played in front of a capacity crowd of 56,759 fans.
Sun Devils Secure Season-Opening Win
Leavitt’s Stellar Performance
Quarterback Sam Leavitt spearheaded the Sun Devil offense, amassing 330 total yards and four touchdowns. Leavitt showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 257 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 73 yards and adding two more scores on the ground. As reported by AP News, Leavitt’s performance was a key factor in ASU securing the win. His ability to both pass and run created challenges for the NAU defense throughout the game.
Tyson’s Impactful Receiving
Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson proved to be Leavitt’s favorite target, tying his career-high with 12 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Tyson’s agility and reliable hands consistently moved the chains for the Sun Devils. His connection with Leavitt was evident, providing crucial gains and scoring opportunities. According to 247 Sports, Tyson’s performance highlighted his potential as a primary receiving threat for ASU this season.
Early Scoring Drive
Raleek Brown initiated the scoring for Arizona State with a six-yard touchdown run. Brown’s early contribution set the tone for the Sun Devils’ offensive dominance, establishing a lead that they would maintain throughout the game. The ground game, although not the primary focus, proved effective in short-yardage situations and red-zone opportunities.
NAU’s Efforts Fall Short
Despite the loss, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks demonstrated resilience and competitiveness against a highly-ranked FBS opponent. Quarterback Ty Pennington completed passes for 204 yards, and Nason Coleman hauled in a three-yard touchdown pass. While the Lumberjacks struggled to contain the Sun Devils’ offense, their ability to generate some offensive production showcased their potential for the season ahead. Brian Wright, NAU’s coach, will be looking to build on this performance in their upcoming games.
Penalty Problems Plague ASU
Discipline Deficit
A significant concern for Arizona State was the high number of penalties committed during the game. The Sun Devils were flagged 12 times for a total of 93 yards, disrupting offensive flow and providing NAU with opportunities. Head Coach Kenny Dillingham addressed this issue directly, emphasizing the need for improved discipline and accountability. Dillingham, as quoted by Cronkite News – Arizona PBS, stated, “We can’t have 12 penalties for 93 yards. That cost us probably an additional 170 yards, 150 yards of total yardage. So when you look at it all, if you just removed the penalties, this entire sheet is 200 yards different right now, and we got to get that cleaned up. That starts with me.”
Impact of Penalties on Victory
The penalties not only stalled drives but also shifted momentum at crucial moments. While ASU ultimately secured the win, the margin of victory could have been more substantial had they minimized these errors. Addressing the penalty issue will be a key focus for Coach Dillingham and his staff as they prepare for upcoming games. The team needs to ensure that they do not keep shooting themselves in the foot.
Looking Ahead
With a 1-0 start, Arizona State aims to build on this victory and address the areas needing improvement. Their next challenge is a road trip to face Mississippi State, a game that will provide a sterner test of their capabilities. Northern Arizona, despite the loss, can take away positives from their performance and focus on refining their strategies for their upcoming FCS matchups.
In conclusion, the Arizona State Sun Devils’ victory over Northern Arizona marks a positive start to their 2025 season. Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson’s standout performances fueled the offense, while the defense held firm against the Lumberjacks. However, the excessive penalties serve as a critical area for improvement as the Sun Devils prepare for tougher challenges ahead. The “Victory Tempered” by penalties provides valuable lessons as they pursue their goal of another successful season.
