Football: No. 8 BYU Faces Arizona State in Rematch of 2024 Upset

No. 8 BYU hosts Arizona State on Saturday in a rematch of a 2024 game that ended with a field storm and a 28-23 Sun Devils victory. The Cougars enter the contest after a 39-31 double-overtime defeat by unranked UCF, a result that has left the team eager to avoid a second consecutive loss. Arizona State, currently 2-2 in conference play, looks to replicate its upset performance from two years ago when it defeated the then-No. 14 Cougars in Tempe.

BYU offensive lineman Bruce Mitchell recalled the 2024 loss with a mix of frustration and anticipation. He noted that the opposing team’s celebration left a bad taste in the team's mouth. "That sucked when they stormed the field," Mitchell said. "That certainly leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I think we are all looking forward to this Saturday." Mitchell described the Sun Devils as a good team with a strong defense, acknowledging that the Cougars will have their hands full.

Defensive players on the BYU roster also remember the 5-point margin of victory for Arizona State. Safety Raider Damuni recalled how Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo and quarterback Sam Leavitt built a 28-9 lead before the Cougars fought back. The game ended with a long pass attempt that fell short of the goal line, followed by a second field storm. Damuni said the heartbreaker remains in the back of the team's minds. "We want to go out and put out our best performance," Damuni said. "That’s how we approach every single week."

Arizona State has found form after a rocky start that included a 55-19 home loss to Baylor and a 53-25 defeat at Texas Tech. The Sun Devils beat Kansas State 28-17 last week after true freshman quarterback Jake Fette replaced the injured Mikey Keene. Reports indicated Friday that Fette would make his first career start, as Keene was listed as questionable in the availability report. Fette led the team to the win, giving Arizona State momentum heading into the game at Provo.

BYU coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged the need to gain momentum after the team's struggles in Orlando. The Cougars had defeated No. 2 Notre Dame 28-24 at home just before the UCF loss, where they forgot how to tackle. "That’s not our style of play, and I am really disappointed that (style) showed up," Sitake said. "So we’ve got to fix it." He noted that being at home helps the team as they look to correct their defensive issues.

Injuries have thinned the BYU roster for the upcoming game. Cornerback Evan "Schmev" Johnson suffered a lower leg injury in Florida and will miss Saturday's contest. His absence is notable given that Arizona State features receivers Reed Harris and Omarion Miller. BYU corner Jayven Williams, a transfer from Mississippi State, called the matchup good-on-good competition. On the offensive line, Trevin Ostler is out for the season after tearing his ACL, MCL, and meniscus against UCF. Right guard Kyle Sfarcioc and running back Preston Rex are listed as probable.

Running back LJ Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, remains out but is reportedly getting close to returning. The hope is to have Martin ready for next week's game against Utah. For now, the Cougars focus on Saturday. The game is scheduled for Halloween, a date that adds to the rivalry atmosphere as BYU attempts to right the ship after its recent stumble.