Freshman QB Jake Fette leads ASU to 20-27 loss at No. 8 BYU

For Jake Fette, the first start of his college career ended with a 27-20 defeat, but the true freshman quarterback left the field in Provo with his team within striking distance for more than a minute. The Sun Devils cut the deficit to 27-20 with a 44-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining, only to see BYU recover the ensuing onside kick and hold the ball until the final whistle. The loss dropped Arizona State to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Big 12 play.

The path to this game began with a rocky start for the Sun Devils following their trip to London. Head coach Kenny Dillingham noted that the team had lost some of its identity, but the performance against the nation's No. 8 team showed signs of a return to form. The Sun Devils relied on a productive rushing attack and a stout run defense to keep the Cougars in check for the majority of the contest.

Fette faced immediate pressure, enduring six sacks in the first half as the offensive line struggled to protect him. Despite the early struggles, he completed 22 of 42 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns. The first of those scores came in the third quarter, a 20-yard fade to Omarion Miller that trimmed the deficit to 17-10. Fette added a second touchdown late in the third quarter, connecting with tight end Anthony Miller on a one-yard pass to tie the game at 17-17.

The game's turning point came late in the fourth quarter. After a 45-yard field goal by BYU gave the Cougars a 24-17 lead, ASU moved the ball but was stopped near midfield. A punt pinned BYU at its own 5-yard line, but a 53-yard pass to Glasker flipped the field. BYU converted a fourth down inside the ASU 10-yard line and scored on a one-yard run by Sione Moa to take a 27-17 lead. Dillingham called the 95-yard drive the reason the Sun Devils fell short.

Cardae Mack ran for 123 yards, extending his streak of 100-yard games to three of the last four. The freshman back was a key component of the Sun Devils' second-half momentum. The defense limited BYU to 1.6 yards per carry on 30 attempts and forced two turnovers, though it allowed the decisive late drive. BYU converted just three of 13 third downs.

Arizona State returns home next week to face Colorado. The Buffaloes improved to 3-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play after a 27-24 overtime victory over Kansas State. ASU needs two wins in its final four games to secure bowl eligibility.

Fette acknowledged the early struggles but expressed confidence in the team's direction. He said he loved being in a hostile environment and wished he could have performed better in the first half. Dillingham praised the team's passion and stated that the players executed the plan he wanted, despite the final score.