Major Takeaways From Arizona State's Win Over Colorado

TEMPE -- The Arizona State Sun Devils are officially in position to finish Big 12 play with a 7-2 mark for the second time in as many seasons in the league following a 42-17 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes.

It was a win that wasn't secured in blowout fashion until the fourth quarter, but they eventually got there - with players such as Kanye Udoh and Jason Brown Jr. shining in the later stages of the game.

Arizona State on SI provides three key takeaways from the victory over Deion Sanders and Colorado below.

lm; — Arizona State Sun Devils Derek Eusebio (83) jumps to score a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 15, 2025. | Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Raleek Brown is Next Great ASU Running Back

The junior had been between 50 and 70 rushing yards in every game since the win over TCU on September 26.

That changed on Saturday, when Brown ran for 255 yards on just 22 carries - including an 88-yard touchdown run that ended up catalyzing the 25-point victory.

Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown (3) before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

This isn't accounting for the dual-threat display either, as Brown also secured a 33-yard touchdown catch on a gutsy fourth-down call. Brown now sits at 1,088 rushing yards and 229 receiving yards during this season, with six total touchdowns for good measure.

Running backs coach Shaun Aguano has built up quite the reputation in the post - as he has coached Eno Benjamin, Rachaad White, X Valladay, Cam Skattebo - and now, Raleek Brown during his time at Arizona State.

Sun Devils Continue to Capitalize on Mistakes More Than Opponent

This wasn't necessarily a 'pretty' victory for the Sun Devils, as the offense coughed up the ball four times and looked in real danger of losing control of the game on a small handful of situations.

However, the iron-clad defense under Brian Ward continued to hold up whenever the pressure increased - and eventually created the mistake that tipped the scales of the game.

Cornerback Keith Abney II both forced and recovered a fumble from Colorado RB Ronald Coleman just a few plays after Brown gifted the ball to the Buffaloes. Brown redeemed himself with the 88-yard touchdown the very next play after. This is who the Sun Devils have been since the beginning of the 2024 season and it's who they continue to be - a program that is predicated on making big-time plays.

Arizona Matchup Will be High-Stakes

The Arizona game this coming Friday won't only be for the Territorial Cup.

There will also be potential Big 12 title game implications, as Arizona State would go into the final Saturday of the regular season with a chance to return to Arlington with a win.

This will not be a simple task, as the Wildcats have enjoyed a season of revival behind a revitalized Noah Fifita - they are playing phenomenal football and will be motivated to play spoiler, while also win their ninth game of the season.

l;mlm — Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham celebrates with defensive lineman Elijah O'Neal (15) and teammates after being dunked for defeating the Arizona Wildcats in the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on how the culture that has been cultivated by coach Dillingham showed up against West Virginia here.

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