Overview
- The Sun Devils lost 24–16 to the Cougars in Tempe on Oct. 25, a setback after last week’s upset of then-No. 7 Texas Tech.
- Sam Leavitt left the game twice for evaluation, underwent imaging, and was not allowed to return late despite lobbying to play, according to Dillingham.
- Backup Jeff Sims finished the game as Dillingham said the back-and-forth with Leavitt affected the team’s rhythm.
- Arizona State had prepared for Houston’s pressure front that entered with 17 sacks and strong run defense, a matchup that strained a banged-up offense.
- Top receiver Jordyn Tyson had been reported as out with a hamstring issue sustained at Texas Tech, elevating roles for options such as Jaren Hamilton and tight end Chamon Metayer.