Arizona State received a blow for their upcoming Week 8 game, with quarterback Sam Leavitt ruled out of the game. The Starting quarterback exited last weekend’s game against Utah in the second quarter after receiving a blow to the ribs. Leavitt returned to close the game out, but the effects have made it so he will miss the game against Cincinnati this coming weekend.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham revealed the news on Wednesday, confirming that Nebraska transfer Jeff Sims would start the game in Ohio against the Bearcats.
Arizona State Fans Optimistic Despite Sam Leavitt News
Arizona State has started the season 5-1, to the surprise of college football fans and their own fan base. The Sun Devils are coming off a huge victory at home to Big 12 Conference favorites Utah, winning 27-19. Despite leaving the game injured in the second quarter, quarterback Sam Leavitt returned to help close the game, keeping the dreams of a Big 12 Conference title game alive.
Leavitt has been key in guiding the team to five wins, throwing for 1,166 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and adding four on the ground. He will be a big miss for ASU, but backup Jeff Sims is capable, showing what he can do in the second quarter of the Utah game. When Sam Leavitt exited the game, Sims came in to finish the series, rushing in for a 2-yard touchdown.
The Sun Devils have dropped one game in conference play, losing to Texas Tech. They are one of three teams sitting at 3-0 against conference teams. BYU and Iowa State are the others, with Arizona State playing the Cougars in the penultimate game of the season. Two losses could still be enough for a title game appearance, but a loss against Cincinnati could end their chance, with the Bearcats sitting at 2-1 in conference play.
Despite Sam Leavitt being ruled out of the game, most Arizona State fans are optimistic that Jeff Sims can get the job done and move the team to 6-1 on the season.
Sims was good last week. I believe in this team. 🙌🏼
— Lisa Phinney (@PhinneyLmp) October 16, 2024
Let's go Jeff!!! Let's go Devils!!!!
— Homegrown Devil (@homegrowndevil) October 16, 2024
All good. In Jeff we TrUSt
— LA Devil (@LASunDevil) October 16, 2024
I thought Sims did just fine coming in last week. I’ve got plenty of confidence in him.
— BazOOka22 (@Oka22O) October 16, 2024
Get ready to learn Sims ball Sundevil fans
— A.Ball (@OhioCornHusker3) October 16, 2024
As mentioned, most of the Sun Devils fan base is looking forward to seeing what Jeff Sims can do. However, a select few expect the worst.
Best case scenario Sims has a breakout game and Leavitt gets a medical redshirt year
— Arizona State Burner (@CFBThrone) October 16, 2024
That and early start equals loss could be the domino that starts the decline
— John Minnihan (@asu96) October 16, 2024
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