By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Arizona State Sun Devils kicked off the season with a huge level of confidence and tenacity. The team did not disappoint. Sun Devils dominated Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, 38-19.
The Sun Devils jumped early by going up 14-0 by the end of the first quarter. Redshirt junior Ryleek Brown scored the first touchdown of the game on a 6-yard run.
Sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt picked up where he left off from his Freshman season. Leavitt completed 25 of his 39 passes and threw for 257 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. One of the most remarkable plays of the game was when Leavitt ran for a 52-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
Junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson had a strong performance with 12 receptions for 141 yards and found the end zone twice.
Leavitt and Tyson will be critical for this team to have ongoing success this season. Both athletes must remain consistent and durable on the field. Leavitt is making a case early in the season for Heisman Trophy consideration. Tyson made a statement that he wants to be an elite wide receiver.
Tyson had family in the stands, and this was a game that meant a great deal to him and his loved ones. He shared his thoughts after the game.
“Both my brothers and my cousin, this is the first time we’ve been together in a long time,” Tyson said. “I’m going to hang out with them after this and we’re gonna have a good night.”
The Sun Devils need to focus on their false starts. It’s one of the flaws that happened in this game. The offensive line must be better. Aside from that, the offense made big-time plays.
How about the Sun Devils defense? They were all over the place and didn’t give the Lumberbacks any confidence or momentum. The defense recorded eight tackles for. losses
Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham coached a brilliant game. He entered Week One with a great strategy and employed various tactics. He’s one of the best young coaches in the game. His record speaks for itself. As the head coach of the Sun Devils, Dillingham has outscored opponents 110-47 in three season openers.
The Sun Devils improve to 83-28-2 in the history of their Opening Day. The team will travel on the road to face Mississippi State next Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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