The Arizona State Sun Devils host the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in a Week 1 college football game on Thursday, August 31, at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. MST and can be viewed on Pac-12 Networks.
ASU holds a 1-0 lead in the all-time series after defeating Southern Utah 41-14 in 2021.
Arizona State is coming off a 3-9 season and has a new coach in Kenny Dillingham.
Southern Utah went 5-6 in 2022.
Many eyes will certainly be on ASU freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada, who won the QB job in camp and has great big-play ability.
Follow our live game updates for news, analysis and score at the site formerly known as Sun Devil Stadium.
The ASU defense makes the crucial stop
ASU just forced Southern Utah into a three-and-out and got a crucial stop with 5:19 to play.
Can the ASU offense finally get something going to make the clock bleed?
The Sun Devils were forced to punt again after only getting a first down on their next drive, giving Southern Utah the ball back with a chance to tie the game with a field goal or take the lead with a touchdown .
There are 6:20 left in the fourth quarter.
ASU gained 32 yards in the third quarter. It gained 54 yards in the fourth quarter.
There are three points in the second half.
That won’t do it.
The Thunderbirds have the ball and the momentum.
This just got interesting.
Southern Utah just blocked a punt from ASU’s Josh Carlson and George Ramirez returned the ball 47 yards for a touchdown, bringing the Thunderbirds within 24-21 with 7:48 left in the fourth quarter.
Southern Utah hangs on and is now just three points behind with plenty of time left.
The Thunderbirds outscored ASU 14-3 in the second half.
Score: Arizona State 24, Southern Utah 21 (7:48 left in the fourth quarter)
ASU will have a lot to clean up after this game, especially in the penalty box. After being called for a stop after Southern Utah’s stop, the Sun Devils have the ball at their own 12-yard line to start their next possession.
ASU had seven penalties for 80 yards in the game.
Southern Utah was assessed eight penalties for 71 yards.
Five of ASU’s penalties were withholding calls. Two of them were personal fouls.
Not ideal.
Elijhah Badger sat out the first half for ASU.
On ASU’s next possession, he took an 81-yard kickoff, showing the big-game explosiveness he is known for.
However, consecutive penalties forced ASU back from a first-and-goal at the 6-yard line to a first-and-26, and the Sun Devils had to settle for a 38-yard field goal from Dario Longhetto.
But they extended their lead despite missing a prime opportunity for a touchdown.
Score: Arizona State 24, Southern Utah 14 (13:41 left in fourth quarter)
Southern Utah is not going away.
Justin Miller just completed a 17-yard pass to Zach Mitchell to pull the Thunderbirds within 21-14 of the Sun Devils.
The big play was a 52-yard completion from Justin Miller to Isaiah Wooden.
Southern Utah needed just five plays to get into the end zone.
ASU really needs to get something going on offense or this game could get really interesting.
Score: Arizona State 21, Southern Utah 14 (49 seconds remaining in third quarter)
ASU’s offensive struggles continued in the second half
Arizona State went three-and-out on its next possession, which included two incomplete passes from quarterback Jaden Rashada.
Rashada went 12 of 16 for 182 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. He is now 13 of 21 for 178 yards in the game.
A 68-yard completion from Justin Miller to Zach Mitchell was negated due to a targeting call to Ethan Bolingbroke, negating a first-and-goal opportunity for Southern Utah at Arizona State’s 3-yard line on the drive have been done.
Southern Utah had a second-and-18 after the game and gained nine yards on the next two plays, leading to a fourth-and-9 at the Southern Utah 39.
Southern Utah then had to punt.
Both teams gained a total of 65 yards in a sloppy third quarter. There are 5:27 minutes left in the quarter.
Well, ASU looked a little better on its second possession of the second half, but not by much.
DeCarlos Brooks rushed for 17 yards on ASU’s first possession, but ASU only had a 1-yard rush and two incomplete passes on the next two plays.
The Sun Devils gained 30 yards on two possessions to open the second half. At the third attempt it is 0:2.
Arizona State gets the ball back after stopping Southern Utah
ASU’s defense overcame a 15-yard personal foul on BJ Green and stopped Southern Utah on the Thunderbirds’ first possession of the second half, as both teams looked a bit shaky on offense early in the second half after the long weather delay.
Will ASU be better off after its second attack of the second half?
The Sun Devils suffered a punt on their first possession of the second half
After a two-and-a-half-hour weather delay against Southern Utah, ASU understandably came out of the game a little cold, going 3-out on its first possession of the second half.
ASU received a holding penalty on the first play of its possession and was unable to recover the 10-yard loss.
Elijhah Badger returns for the second half for Arizona State
Wide receiver Elijhah Badger is back in the ASU lineup after missing the first half of the game in the second half of the Sun Devils’ final game of last season after picking up a personal foul and being sent off.
Badger gives ASU another deep threat and he gives quarterback Jaden Rashada another receiving option.
The ASU vs. Southern Utah game appears to be back on.
The teams warm up on the field for the start of the second half.
ASU Football’s X account posted this update at 11:18 p.m.: “The news we’ve all been waiting for! After an eight-minute warm-up phase, we begin the second half! Fans, once you’re out of Mountain America Stadium, you can come back in!” “
ASU leads 21-7 at halftime.
The news we’ve all been waiting for!
After an eight-minute warm-up phase, we start the second half! Fans, once you’re out of Mountain America Stadium, you can come back in!
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 1, 2023
Weather wreaked havoc on the Arizona State-Southern Utah college football game Thursday night in Tempe, causing the game to be delayed and the stadium to be evacuated.
Fans and media members captured the dust storm and the wind (haboob) in videos and photos from Mountain America Stadium.
In this story, watch the scene from the game that was postponed at halftime with ASU leading 21-7.
The ASU vs. Southern Utah game was postponed due to a lightning strike.
In order for the Week 1 college football game to continue, there must be no lightning within an eight-mile radius for 30 minutes.
ASU Football released the following message at 8:52 p.m. Arizona time: “To fans in attendance: Weather in the area is temporarily delaying the start of the second half. We ask you to leave the stadium and seek shelter. We will give another update in 30 minutes.
At 9:18 p.m. Arizona time, ASU Football wrote: “Lightning strikes continue within 8 miles. Currently at least 45 minutes before we can bring players onto the pitch or allow fans back into the stands.”
At 10:23 p.m., ASU Football posted: “The weather is still good, we will post a new update at 10:45 p.m.”
At 10:53 a.m. it said: “We cannot provide any new information. When we receive a new update, we will deploy it. We apologize for the inconvenience.”
At 10:59 a.m. there was this update: “Lightning continues in the area and we remain delayed.”
ASU leads the game 21-7 at halftime.
More: Arizona State Football vs. Southern Utah: Video, photos from Haboob, dust storm in Tempe
More: Dust and strong winds lead to a temporary suspension of the Arizona State football game
We have no new information. When we receive a new update, we will deploy it. We apologize for the inconvenience.
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 1, 2023
The weather is still in the area, we will post a new update at 10:45am.
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 1, 2023
Lightning strikes last within 8 miles. It currently takes at least 45 minutes before we can bring players onto the pitch or allow fans back into the stands.
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 1, 2023
Fans in attendance should note that the weather in the area will temporarily delay the start of the second half. We ask you to leave the stadium and seek shelter. We will give another update in 30 minutes.
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 1, 2023
A dust storm has hit Mountain America Stadium, the wind is increasing and dust is blowing through the stadium.
That made the end of ASU’s recent scoring spree even more impressive as the Sun Devils scored on offense.
So we have a haboob here and it’s hard to see on the other side of the field. In the TV booth next door they find it difficult to close the window
— Michelle Gardner (@MGardnerSports) September 1, 2023
Arizona State’s Jaden Rashada had a decent first game for the Sun Devils.
The true freshman QB went 12 of 16 for 182 yards and two touchdowns in his college football debut, giving ASU a 21-7 lead at the end of the first half.
Xavier Guillory caught a 47-yard touchdown pass from Rashada on a fourth-and-8 play. Troy Omiere caught the other touchdown pass, a 3-yard completion, with two seconds left in the half.
Cameron Skattebo had seven carries for 32 yards for ASU and a touchdown, Arizona State’s other score.
ASU has 224 yards compared to 115 yards for Southern Utah, despite trailing 19:27 to 10:33 in time of possession.
Rashada and ASU hit a rough patch midway through the first half, but responded strongly toward the end of the half and showed many positives that they were able to build on in the second half and throughout the year.
ASU’s most passing yards in the first game of their career (since 1996)
292-Joey Yellen vs. USC/Nov. 9. 2019
284-Jayden Daniels vs. Kent State/Aug. 29. 2019
182-Jaden Rashada vs. Southern Utah/8:33 p.m. now
160-Jeff Krohn vs. San Diego State/Aug. 31. 2000— Doug Tammaro (@DougTammaro) September 1, 2023
This game turned in ASU’s favor at the end of the first half.
After ASU scored with a 47-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-8, the Sun Devils held Southern Utah to five plays on their next drive.
Then Arizona State’s offense extended its lead with some explosive plays.
First, Jaden Rashada threw a short pass to Jalin Conyers, who traveled 43 yards.
Then Cameron Skattebo ran for 12 yards.
One play later, Rashada completed an 11-yard pass to Xavier Guillory.
After committing a roughing the pass penalty against Southern Utah a few plays later, Rashada connected with Troy Omeire on a 3-yard touchdown pass to give ASU a 21-7 lead with two seconds left in the first half.
Score: Arizona State 21, Southern Utah 7 (halftime)
The Sun Devils had a four-and-8 from near midfield and Kenny Dillingham went for it.
It paid off with a 47-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Rashada to Xavier Guillory that gave ASU a 14-7 lead.
ASU needed this.
People have been raving about Rashada’s big game ability, and this was a big play. It was also the first touchdown pass of Rashada’s career. Also on Rashada’s 20th birthday.
Score: Arizona State 14, Southern Utah 7 (5:32 left in the first half)
Southern Utah gained just four yards on three plays and had to punt against the Sun Devils.
There are just over eight minutes left in the first half.
Can ASU’s offense get back on track on the next possession?
Arizona State goes 3-3 against Southern Utah
ASU didn’t get the drive it needed on its next possession.
In fact, the Sun Devils took a 3-3 lead with 9:50 left in the first half and gave the ball back to Southern Utah.
After an impressive first series of attacks, the Sun Devils struggled.
Southern Utah now has a 91-76 advantage in total yards.
Jaden Rashada is now 4-for-7 for 49 yards in the game. He was 3-for-3 for 44 yards on ASU’s first possession.
Southern Utah tied the game with ASU after an 11-play, 62-yard drive that lasted 6:43.
Targhee Lambson rushed for a touchdown from 1 yard out.
On the drive, backup QB Grady Robison completed a 16-yard pass to starting QB Justin Miller to set up the score.
ASU’s defense must be tired: Southern Utah had the ball since 15:08.
The Sun Devils offense could use a good performance to get some rest.
Score: Arizona State 7, Southern Utah 7 (11:05 left in the first half)
The Sun Devils lead the Thunderbirds 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
ASU leads 72-54 total yards but has only played 10 plays compared to Southern Utah’s 16.
Southern Utah has a huge possession advantage: 11:13-3:47.
But the only stat that really matters is the scoreboard, where ASU has the only points in the game.
Score: Arizona State 7, Southern Utah 0 (end of first quarter)
ASU’s Clayton Smith was ejected from the game for targeting
Arizona State defensive back Clayton Smith was assessed a personal foul for targeting Southern Utah QB Justin Miller, resulting in him being disqualified from the remainder of the game.
Smith pressured Miller into a play and hit Miller in the chest while he was holding his helmet, resulting in a 15-yard penalty and a disqualification for the remainder of the game.
The disqualification left ASU even weaker on its already injured defensive line.
The Sun Devils have to punt against Southern Utah
Arizona State had to punt on its second possession of the game after gaining a first down.
Jaden Rashada had a few incomplete passes on the drive, one where he threw wide in front of DeCarlos Brooks, while Southern Utah deflected a pass to Jalin Conyers on another.
It may be Southern Utah, but ASU will be off to its defensive start against the Thunderbirds, especially after a miserable season on defense last season.
The Sun Devils held Southern Utah to 31 total yards and two first downs on two possessions.
They constantly put pressure on Southern Utah QB Justin Miller. Southern Utah averages 2.6 yards per play.
There are still 4:36 minutes left in the first quarter.
Well, that was impressive.
Arizona State’s offense wasted no time scoring its first touchdown of the season, marching 68 yards in five plays and taking a 7-0 lead over Southern Utah.
The big blow was a 33-yard pass from Jaden Rashada to Melquan Stovall, which became even bigger when Southern Utah was asked to rough the passer.
Cameron Skattebo rushed for a 6-yard touchdown. He had two runs for 18 yards on the drive.
Rashada completed a 3-for-3 pass for 44 yards on his first drive at Arizona State.
Score: Arizona State 7, Southern Utah 0 (9:00 left in first quarter)
ASU’s defense gambles on the first possession against Southern Utah
The Sun Devils’ defense allowed a first down against Southern Utah, but was able to stop the Thunderbirds on their next down and force a punt with 10:59 left in the first quarter.
Southern Utah gained 15 yards on the drive and only two on the ground.
On Rashada’s 20th birthday, it’s Jaden Rashada and the ASU offense’s turn.
Arizona State injury update against Southern Utah
Arizona State will miss several players due to injury, including WTR Jordan Tyson, QB Drew Pyne, DB Montana Warren, DL CJ Fite, OL Ben Coleman and DL Anthonie Cooper.
It’s a big hit on the defensive line, where there isn’t much depth to begin with.
Additionally, LB Will Shaffer and WR Elijhah Badger will not play in the first half of the game after they suffered personal fouls and were sent off in the second half of ASU’s final game last season.
Thursday’s game against Southern Utah marks the collegiate debut and first start of ASU freshman QB Jaden Rashada.
It’s also his birthday.
The highly touted quarterback won the job in camp over Trenton Bourguet. He has great playmaking ability and a strong arm.
And many eyes will be on to see how he performs in the opening game.
Will Rashada have much to celebrate on Thursday night?
How angry are Arizona State fans at ASU athletic director Ray Anderson?
Apparently he was angry enough to buy mobile billboards calling for him to be fired.
The billboards with the messages “#FireRayAnderson” and “Only you can save ASU athletics” include a link to a website behind a campaign to oust Anderson, FireRayAnderson.com.
The game can be seen at 7:00 p.m. MST time on Pac-12 Networks.
Pac-12 Networks is available on Sling TV, Cox, Dish, FuboTV, Vidgo, Dish and other providers.
Click here for a list of all TV providers offering Pac-12 Networks.
Go to the game?
While fans are undoubtedly looking forward to a new era of Sun Devil football under head coach Kenny Dillingham, with a revamped roster and freshman starting quarterback Jaden Rashada, getting to the stadium first brings with it some challenges.
This guide will help you park, tailgate and enter the stadium, formerly known as Sun Devil Stadium, for the opening of the ASU football season.
Want to watch the Arizona State football team’s season opener against Southern Utah on Thursday night?
Tickets for the Week 1 college football game at Mountain America Stadium are less than $10.
Yes, less than $10.
Ticketmaster had many upper deck tickets for the 7 p.m. game for under $10 early Wednesday afternoon, with some as low as $6.99, including fees.
Most (but not all) websites predict the Sun Devils will beat the Thunderbirds in Thursday’s game.
Michelle Gardner of the Arizona Republic previewed and predicted the outcome of the game in her Arizona State vs. Southern Utah scouting report.
The Sun Devils will sport the maroon and gold in Week 1 against Southern Utah.
You can’t go wrong with this. Fans are also encouraged to wear gold to the game.
The Sun Devils’ depth chart for their Week 1 college football game starts with freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada, which is fitting.
The highly touted QB has a lot of hype around him and has great big-play skills. How many big plays will we see from him in his college debut on Thursday night?
Say goodbye to Sun Devil Stadium, Arizona State fans.
And say hello to Mountain America Stadium, home of the ASU Sun Devils.
Earlier this month, Arizona State University and Sun Devil Athletics announced a multi-year naming rights partnership with Mountain America Credit Union.
The school announced that the 15-year partnership with Sun Devil Athletics included a renaming of the ASU football stadium, saying it will now be called “Mountain America Stadium, home of the ASU Sun Devils.”
Thursday’s game is the first with that name (though many insist they will continue to call it Sun Devil Stadium).
Pregame reading for the Arizona State vs. Southern Utah Week 1 college football game
Arizona State Senator TJ Shope is calling for an ABOR investigation into ASU’s Ray Anderson
Why Arizona State football’s season opener means more for the program than before
Herm Edwards was heavily criticized for hypocritical comments following Arizona State’s bowl ban
Arizona State’s Ray Anderson and Michael Crow face backlash after college football’s bowl ban
Pac-12 Football Power Rankings: The conference has a chance to make an early statement in Week 1
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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