Arizona State’s Strategic Football Matches in Texas: A Recruiting Bonanza

Arizona State University’s football team is gearing up for a series of critical games that could redefine their recruiting landscape. Over the next two weeks, ASU will face Texas State University and Texas Tech, two formidable opponents that present not just challenges on the field but also tremendous opportunities off it. Graham Rossini, the first-year athletic director, recently discussed these upcoming games on Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo show, emphasizing the unique recruiting potential they offer. The game against Texas State has been in the works for over a decade, meticulously planned to give ASU a foothold in a state renowned for its high school football talent. The back-to-back games in Texas are strategically designed to allow the Sun Devils to recruit in major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, areas teeming with young football prospects.

To maximize this opportunity, some of ASU’s coaches will remain in Texas after the Texas State game, dedicating additional time to scout and connect with potential recruits. Rossini underscored the importance of performing well in these games to fully capitalize on the recruiting benefits they offer. Currently, the Sun Devils boast a 2-0 record, having secured victories against Wyoming and Mississippi State. Texas State, their next opponent, also holds a 2-0 record, recently demolishing UTSA in a blowout win. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN, making it the only college football game of the day, thereby amplifying its visibility and impact.

The significance of these games extends beyond mere wins and losses. ASU is now part of a conference that includes four Texas schools and no California schools, making it imperative for them to establish a strong presence in Texas. However, the team is also keen on exploiting opportunities in other states, such as Florida, thanks to the addition of Central Florida to the Big 12 conference. This geographical shift provides ASU with a unique chance to gain more visibility and awareness among potential recruits. Rossini is optimistic that the team’s presence in the conference will make them a top choice for aspiring football players, further bolstered by their upcoming game against UCF on November 9th, another crucial opportunity to showcase the program’s strength.

One of the highlights of ASU’s recruiting efforts is Adrian Wilson, a highly-rated wide receiver from Texas in their 2025 class. The next freshman class for ASU is expected to have a significant presence in both Texas and California, indicating the success of their recruiting strategy. Fans can catch the game against Texas State on various platforms, including the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620 AM, and 98.7-HD-2, with the kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. MST. The anticipation surrounding these games is palpable, as they hold the potential to shape the future of ASU’s football program significantly.

In their recent victory against Texas State, Arizona State’s freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt proved to be a pivotal player. Coach Kenny Dillingham had emphasized the need to improve the team’s passing game following their previous match against Mississippi State, where the running game had dominated. Leavitt rose to the occasion, throwing for 246 yards on 19 passes and leading the team to a 31-28 win. This victory marked ASU’s first 3-0 start since 2019, matching their win total from the previous season. Sophomore Jordyn Tyson emerged as the top receiver, catching six passes for 120 yards and a touchdown, including a spectacular 52-yard touchdown pass from Leavitt in the second quarter.

Despite a third-quarter interception, Leavitt’s performance was commendable, especially considering it was his first career road start. In contrast to the previous week’s game, where ASU’s rushing game had been the primary source of yardage, this game saw limited production from the rushing game, with only 101 total yards. Leading rusher Cam Skattebo was held to just 62 yards. Nevertheless, Coach Dillingham was not surprised by Leavitt’s ability to rally the team from a two-touchdown deficit on the road. Dillingham praised Leavitt as a competitor, smart, passionate, and energizing, qualities that were evident in his performance.

Leavitt’s previous career best was 258 yards in the opening game against Wyoming, and although he fell short of that record by 12 yards, he was ready for the challenge. In addition to his passing yards, Leavitt also contributed 40 yards on the ground, including a crucial 40-yard run that set up a game-tying touchdown run by Skattebo. Leavitt described the game’s atmosphere as super fun, relishing the opportunity to lead the offense and play alongside his teammates. With the upcoming road game against Texas Tech, Leavitt’s performance and leadership will be crucial for ASU’s continued success in the Big 12 conference.

As Arizona State prepares to face Texas Tech, the stakes are high. The confidence in Leavitt and his competitive mindset has galvanized the team, helping them overcome obstacles and secure victories. The strong passing game demonstrated in the win over Texas State showcases ASU’s potential for success throughout the rest of the season. The game against Texas Tech will be another test of their mettle, but with Leavitt at the helm, the Sun Devils are poised to make a significant impact.

In addition to the strategic importance of these games, the betting odds and predictions add another layer of intrigue. Texas State and Arizona State will clash at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas, with the Bobcats favored by 2.5 points and an over/under of 59.5 total points. Before placing any bets, it’s essential to consider the predictions and advice from the Sportsline projection model, which has been highly successful, generating over $2,000 profit for $100 players on top-rated college football picks. The model’s predictions for the Texas State vs. Arizona State game are available on Sportsline, providing valuable insights into the spread, money line, and over/under.

Texas State boasts a strong team of running backs, with two players having over 130 rushing yards on the season. Junior running back Ismail Mahdi leads the charge with 182 yards and one touchdown, while junior Lincoln Pare adds 133 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Senior receiver Joey Hobert contributes to the Bobcats’ offensive firepower with 10 receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. On the defensive side, Arizona State has had strong performances in their last two games, ranking second in the Big 12 in total defense and first in run defense. Key players like junior linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, senior defensive lineman Elijah O’Neal, and junior defensive back Myles Rowser have been instrumental in their success.

The Sportsline model predicts that the total points scored will be under 55, highlighting the potential for a tight matchup with both teams showcasing strong offensive and defensive players. The game promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams vying for dominance. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET and can be watched live on Sportsline, providing fans with an opportunity to witness the action unfold in real-time.

For those looking to catch all the NCAA football action this season, there are numerous options available. NFL and NCAA football are returning to our screens, and week 3 of the 2024-25 college football season offers a slate of exciting games. Notable matchups include Alabama vs. Wisconsin and Colorado vs. Colorado State. Various channels air NCAA football games, including ESPN, Fox, CBS, and more, making it essential to have a game plan for where to watch. Directv stream’s choice tier provides access to all the usual football channels, including NFL Network, NBC, CBS, Fox, and more, along with CBSSN, FS1, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, and local RSNs.

Currently, there is a free trial for Directv stream, allowing fans to test it out before committing. All Directv packages come with unlimited cloud DVR storage, making it easy for fans to tune into their favorite team’s games. Directv stream’s Choice tier is priced at $105.98/month with fees, offering a comprehensive option for watching all your favorite NCAA and NFL football games. With so many games to look forward to, having a reliable streaming service ensures you won’t miss any of the action.

In conclusion, Arizona State’s upcoming games against Texas State and Texas Tech are more than just opportunities to secure wins; they are pivotal moments that could shape the future of the program. With strategic planning, strong performances, and a focus on recruiting, ASU is poised to make significant strides. Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt’s impressive performance has already set the tone, and the team’s confidence and competitive spirit promise an exciting season ahead. As fans tune in to watch these crucial games, the anticipation and excitement are palpable, setting the stage for a thrilling chapter in Arizona State’s football journey.