Arizona State Faces Houston: Key Players to Watch This Weekend

UPDATE: As the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare to face the Houston Cougars on October 21, 2023, all eyes will be on three dynamic players who could sway the outcome of this pivotal matchup. The Sun Devils, coming off a thrilling upset against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, aim to continue their momentum against the Cougars, who recently secured a nail-biting 31-28 victory over the Arizona Wildcats.

Both teams head into this contest with significant records: Arizona State at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while Houston mirrors these numbers in a fiercely competitive Big 12 landscape. This clash is not just another game; it is set to be a decisive moment for both squads as they vie for postseason positioning.

Who to Watch: Arizona State’s Offensive Powerhouses

Leading the charge for Arizona State is quarterback Sam Leavitt, a redshirt sophomore whose performance has been instrumental this season. Despite missing a game due to injury, Leavitt ranks among the top quarterbacks in the Big 12, currently sitting at No. 8 for average passing yards per game. In just six games, he has completed 127 of 204 pass attempts for 1,358 yards, with nine touchdowns and only three interceptions. Notably, he has also showcased his versatility with 284 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Leavitt’s dual-threat capability makes him a crucial focal point for the Cougars’ defense. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground will be critical in this high-stakes matchup.

Dynamic Playmakers: Tyson and Brown

Another key player to watch is wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who has emerged as Leavitt’s go-to target. The redshirt sophomore boasts 57 receptions for 628 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the Big 12 in multiple receiving categories. His explosive speed and playmaking ability are not only vital for Arizona State’s offensive strategy but also make him a serious threat to the Houston secondary.

Tyson’s performance places him among the nation’s elite, tied for second in receiving touchdowns and ranked third in receptions across college football. His ability to create separation and make catches in critical situations will be crucial against a Houston defense eager to contain him.

Completing the trio of Arizona State’s offensive stars is running back Raleek Brown. As the leading rusher for the Sun Devils, Brown has accumulated 642 yards on 110 attempts, averaging over five yards per carry with three touchdowns. His ground game is pivotal to Arizona State’s overall offensive strategy, contributing to the team’s robust rushing attack, which ranks sixth in the Big 12 with an average of 186.7 yards per game.

Brown’s ability to find holes and maintain consistent yardage will be essential for Arizona State to keep the Houston defense off balance. The Cougars must prepare to face a complete offensive threat this weekend.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

As kickoff approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. The Houston Cougars, looking to enhance their standing in the Big 12, must neutralize these three Arizona State stars to secure a victory. The Sun Devils, on the other hand, are intent on building on their recent successes and proving their worth in the conference.

This matchup is not just about individual talent but also team dynamics and strategy. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how each player performs under pressure. Mark your calendars for this thrilling encounter that promises to be a highlight of the college football season!