Injured Jordyn Tyson clearly missed by Arizona State in the Peach Bowl

It wasn’t going to be an easy game for Arizona State redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, who took on SEC powerhouse Texas in the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl, and playing without his No. 1 goal has made it even more difficult.

Big 12 Newcomer of the Year redshirt sophomore receiver Jordyn Tyson suffered a season-ending collarbone injury in ASU’s final regular-season game in a win over rival Arizona. While his absence didn’t cause a problem in the demolition of Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship, Leavitt and the Sun Devils struggle without him in the Peach Bowl, trailing 17-3 at halftime.

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The Longhorns have held All-American running back Cam Skattebo at bay, holding the Heisman finalist to just 45 yards on 13 carries. With their workhorse locked in its barn, the Sun Devils need Leavitt to take charge. As much as he’s tried, he’s clearly been missing something.

The Michigan State transfer quarterback has dunked, ducked and dodged to extend plays, shielded by a live offense that was being obliterated by the bigger, faster and stronger Texas defensive front. His escapeability has been on full display, but he just doesn’t have that extra help when he gets a chance to get off the ball.

Leavitt closed the first half completing 15-of-27 passes (55.6%) for 99 yards and the Sun Devils managed just 3 points. Wide receivers Xavier Guillory (3 catches for 19 yards) and Melquan Stovall (4 catches for 18 yards) are doing their best to step up in Tyson’s absence, but they struggle to get separation.

The Sun Devils receivers will be covered by the Longhorns. When they make a catch, they are met with bone-crushing impacts. SEC defenses are a little different than what ASU is used to seeing in the Big 12.

Tyson adds an element that his fellow teammates just don’t have. Yards after catch. Evasive movement. Dynamic route running. The Sun Devils passing problem is so damaging that their leading receiver is redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong, who caught a 32-yard pass from freshman Kanyon Floyd after a fake punt.

Tyson eclipsed 100 yards in five games this season, catching 75 passes for 1,101 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. He is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ASU still has a chance to come back with another half of football to play. But if the first half showed anything, it won’t be easy without their no. 1 receiver, Tyson.

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