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Social Media Reactions to ASU's First Game

Social Media Reactions to Arizona State Sun Devil's first game of the football season
Tanner Cappellini|
Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil during the second half of the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil during the second half of the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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Arizona State Sun Devils

The wait is finally over, after months and months of speculating, the Arizona State Sun Devils have started playing football. Their first game is against hosting fellow Arizona college, the NAU Lumberjacks. So with ASU’s first game underway, what did the Sun Devils think of the kickoff game?

Student Section

Before the game even started, the excitement was already there for the Sun Devils. This was due to the crowd, especially the student section being super packed.

Seeing waves of ASU Colors, especially gold was super exciting to see. While the pre game activities were going, the crowd was getting hyped up for the game. The excitement for the Sun Devils first game was felt in the air.

Injury

The excitment stopped for a moment as ASU Left tackle, Josh Atkins got injured. This was a blow to ASU, as the offensive line, especially tackle is a super important position.

It was a scary sight early to see one of ASU's important players go down with an injury.

First Touchdown

The first touchdown of the season came pretty quickly as the Sun Devils scored on their first dirve. The score came from Running back Raleek Brown. The Sun Devils were able to drive down the field at a very efficient level.

ASU Quarterback, Sam Leavitt made some very nice throws, with some coming on the run. Kyson Brown made some great catches and runs on the drive, but it was Raleek Brown who finised the drive off.

Twitter user Luke Lendler said it perfectly - ASU started the season in incredible fashion.

Brown did in fact put defenders in the spin cycle. The opening drive touchdown helped relieve some of the leavity of the Atkins injury.

Arizona State Secures Touchdown off Surprise Play

It looked like ASU was going to punt on their second drive. However, ASU called a Fake Punt. Kyson Brown took the direct snap and carried the ball for a huge gain. It was an amazing call by the coaching staff. It was an aggressive move that paid off that showed ASU was not only here to win, but to dominate.

The excitement continued for the Sun Devils as on the very next play, Sam Leavitt threw a touchdown to wideout Jordyn Tyson. The Tyson-Leavitt connection has been hyped up by a lot of fans, and for a good reason. The two have chemistry, so it was amazing to see it on display early.

Early domination

There is no two ways to put it, the Sun Devils dominated the first quarter. Not only were they up 14-0, but the Sun Devils looked better in every facet of the game. They had several great physical plays, whether it be runs or tackles.

ASU’s defense also stopped the NAU offense on fourth and goal. From the first quarter, the Sun Devils looked ready to not only play football, but to win.

NAU’s First Points

It took NAU till the second quarter to get their first score, which was a field goal. The Lumberjacks tried to run the ball on the third down, but did not have any success. The ASU run defense looked elite early on.

Big Third Down Conversion

After a very hot start, the ASU offense stalled out a bit. Credit to NAU, their defense played pretty well. ASU looked to have a big 3rd down, as Leavitt hit McClain on the run, but it was called back, as offsetting penalties occurred.

So ASU had another shot at 3rd down, they ran a screen. The pass went to Tyson, who made a big play. Tyson is so good after the catch, and he showed case it for a key third down conversion.

Keith Abney’s Big Play

Abney is a corner, so it might seem like his big play came through the air. However it came on the ground. NAU was driving down the field pretty well before the half. Only up by 14, so it was important that the ASU Defense got a stop.


On a third down, Abney came flying through to sack NAU’s Quarterback, Ty Pennington. Abney is a quick player, so it was cool to see his speed on display. This caused a fourth down and NAU to kick a field goal.

ASU’s Third Touchdown

The Sun Devils third touchdown on their opening drive of the third quarter. The Sun Devils and right then and there, Sam Leavitt showcased mobility as he had an amazing touchdown run to the house. Leavitt showed top tier acceleration and agility on that run!

Penalties

One of the biggest factors for ASU in the third quarter was the amount of penalties they had. ASU had a touchdown and a big Sam Leavitt throw both called back by penalties.


The amount of penalties was something that ASU fans were not happy and expecting from Kenny Dillingham’s squad.

Tyson and Leavitt’s Big Plays 

On a second down, Sam Leavitt looked like he would be sacked. However, Leavitt, while going down, threw up a pass to Jordyn Tyson. Tyson made an absolutely amazing catch.


Tyson’s adjustment to the ball was simply fantastic and helped move the chains. Plays like that are why Tyson is one of the best WRs in the country.

A couple plays later in the redzone, Leavitt had another rushing touchdown. Leavitt’s mobility is a huge factor in his game, and it was on full display this night.

ASU’s Strong Defensive Hold

In the fourth quarter, ASU’s defense held strong. The secondary forced several deflections and the run defense continued strong.


Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward’s unit did a great job tonight. They played clean football and made a lot of efficient plays. 

ASU ‘s Final Touchdown of the game

The final touchdown of the game came from the famous Sun Devil connection- Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson. Leavitt threw the ball in the corner and Tyson made a spectacular catch. Many fans were amazed by the catch that Tyson made.

In conclusion, there were some messy moments, it was overall a very exciting night for ASU fans! The Sun Devils had many exciting plays and it was a great way to begin a hopefully very successful year for ASU football!

We would highly appreciate it if you would discuss your thoughts on how ASU's football did in their first game of the regular season. Additionally, @Kevin Hicks on X to get updates on when new ASU on SI pieces drop! 

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Tanner Cappellin
TANNER CAPPELLINI

Tanner Cappellini holds a mass communications degree from Arizona State University and is pursuing his dream of being the person at the games, practices, and events who takes others inside the team they love.

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