Sun Sep 14 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Texas State Faces Uphill Battle Against Arizona State, Seeking Redemption

**Tempe, AZ** – Texas State football travels to Mountain America Stadium this Saturday to face a challenging Arizona State team, seeking to avenge last year’s narrow 31-28 loss. The Sun Devils, who won the Big 12 championship in 2024 and narrowly missed a College Football Playoff berth, are looking to bounce back from a recent setback, while the Bobcats aim to prove their mettle against a Power Five opponent.

Arizona State (1-1) started the season ranked in the AP Top 25 but fell out after a 24-20 loss to Mississippi State. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency, throwing for 339 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in two games.

The key for Texas State (2-0) will be containing Arizona State’s star wide receiver, Jordyn Tyson. The preseason AP All-American is considered a top NFL prospect and has already racked up 18 catches for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Texas State’s safety, Ryan Nolan, emphasized the importance of knowing Tyson’s location at all times and adjusting the defense accordingly. While shutting down Tyson entirely may be impossible, limiting his impact will be crucial.

On the offensive side, Texas State will rely on their own star receiver, Beau Sparks, who has been a revelation through two weeks, accumulating 237 yards and five touchdowns on 12 receptions. Sparks is likely to face Arizona State’s top cornerback, Keith Abney II. However, Arizona State’s other cornerback, Javan Robinson, has been identified as a potential weakness, allowing eight catches for 220 yards. Coach GJ Kinne may look to exploit this mismatch by scheming Sparks or other receivers into favorable matchups against Robinson.

While Arizona State’s ground game remains a threat, particularly with backups Raleek Brown and Kanye Udoh stepping up after starting running back Kyson Brown’s injury, Texas State needs to revitalize their own rushing attack. Lincoln Pare and Jaylen Jenkins have shown flashes of potential, but the return of Greg Burrell, who had a strong Week 1 performance, could provide a significant boost. His absence from the offense last week remains unexplained by Kinne.

This game represents a significant opportunity for Texas State to make a statement and continue its momentum after a strong start to the season. However, overcoming a talented Arizona State team on the road will require a disciplined defense, a potent offense, and capitalizing on the Sun Devils’ weaknesses.

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