Arizona State Quarterback Sam Leavitt Ruled Out for Upcoming Game
Arizona State's starting quarterback, Sam Leavitt, has been ruled out for the upcoming game against Iowa State. This decision was confirmed by Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham, who shared the news as the team prepares for their next challenge in the Big 12 Conference.
Leavitt's absence comes after he left last week’s game against Houston due to an injury. During that match, he suffered a hard hit in the first quarter, which led to his early exit. Since then, Leavitt has been seen wearing a walking boot during Tuesday’s practice, as reported by ESPN. The injury appears to be a recurring issue that has affected Leavitt throughout the season.
Backup Quarterback Jeff Sims Steps In
With Leavitt sidelined, the Sun Devils will turn to their backup quarterback, Jeff Sims. Sims, a transfer from Nebraska, had previously taken the majority of the snaps in the last game and completed 6 out of 11 passes for 58 yards. He is expected to start against Iowa State this Saturday.
Coach Dillingham addressed the situation, stating that Leavitt’s injury has been an ongoing concern all season. "It's definitely something that's been lingering all year," Dillingham said. "It's definitely something that could definitely turn into a long-term issue for sure, just because it hasn't progressed like we hoped."
The coach also pointed back to the September 20 game against Baylor, where Leavitt initially injured his foot. He missed the following game against Utah before making a return to lead Arizona State to a comeback win over then-No. 13 Texas Tech on October 18. However, he was forced to sit out again shortly after.
Leavitt's Impact on the Team
Leavitt has been a key player for Arizona State this season, throwing for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns with only three interceptions. His performance in the past five games has been particularly strong, with no turnovers recorded.
Despite the challenges, Dillingham remains focused on the team's goal of repeating last year's success. Arizona State made history by winning their first Big 12 championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. The coach hopes the team can maintain that momentum as they head into the upcoming matchup against Iowa State.
Game Details and Future Outlook
Arizona State will travel to face Iowa State on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on TNT. Fans are eager to see how the team will perform without their star quarterback, but the coaching staff remains confident in their ability to adapt and compete.
As the season progresses, the focus will be on whether Leavitt can recover in time for future games or if Sims will continue to step up as the team's primary quarterback.
Other College Football Updates
In other college football news:
- Deion Sanders' buyout and contract details have been revealed as he continues his tenure as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.
- Steve Sarkisian is reportedly considering leaving Texas for potential NFL opportunities.
- Cam Newton had a tense moment with a mascot on ESPN, nearly coming to blows during an on-air incident.
- Paul Finebaum remains convinced that a specific name is the best fit for the Florida coaching position.
- UNC fans speculated that Bill Belichick resigned to join Duke's coaching staff, although this turned out to be a satirical story.