Arizona State is set to play Utah in Week 7, a matchup dubbed initially as ‘high profile’ between the two Big 12 contenders. But there was still a hiccup in Sam Leavitt’s appearance in the game after his injury setback. And now, with Kenny Dillingham terming Leavitt’s return unlikely, akin to a “mini miracle” if it happens. Fox’s Dave Portnoy has closed all bets on ASU as the move has garnered widespread backlash.

Portnoy took to X and announced his company, Barstool Sports, is no longer taking bets on ASU, owing to Sam Leavitt’s absence. “Alert!!!!! If Sam Leavitt isn’t playing for ASU, all bets on ASU off, please @Barstoolpickem,” wrote Portnoy on X. The announcement has come under heavy scrutiny, with folks coming down heavily on Portnoy.

Opinions on Portnoy’s post regarding his ASU annoucement are highly critical. People are touting other oddsmakers like DraftKings, who don’t do such things out of the blue. Still, Leavitt’s absence will be a major blow to ASU since the QB’s chemistry with Jordyn Tyson is pure magic this season. For context, Leavitt has played in all games so far, and barring the Mississippi State game, he has turned up in every game.

“If he plays in the game, it will be a mini miracle. I’ll be absolutely shocked. I think this is the best decision for him and the future season…Sam’s been battling something going back to Baylor. He’s been fighting, fought through the TCU game. Sam does everything he possibly can to come back and play football games here. He’s the ultimate competitor,”  said Kenny Dillingham in a recent interview. Leavitt so far has 1,093 passing yards to his name and has rushed for another 281 yards. The quality is undoubtedly there to see, but that doesn’t mean ASU’s QB2 can’t turn up against Utah.

Jeff Sims is the QB2 at ASU and has been reliable whenever called to action. He is in his sixth year and has big-game experience too, beginning his career at Georgia Tech. For instance, last year Sims replaced Leavitt against Cincinnati and completed 12 of the 23 passes, passing for 155 yards. In the ground game, the QB was remarkable, rushing for another 53 yards, despite a 24-14 loss. That might be another reason why Kenny Dillingham is limiting Leavitt, since the team has another big team to tackle after Utah.

ASU doesn’t need Sam Leavitt against Utah; the battle lies elsewhere

The Utah Utes are exceptional so far, losing just one game against a prolific Texas Tech team. Barring that, the wins against UCLA and later West Virginia were blowouts as the Utes are 4-1 so far. Still, the Texas Tech game showed Devon Dampier can be limited in his passing if presented with pressure. And Kenny Dillingham is planning on that note. To back that game plan, ASU has a 9th-ranked rushing defense in the country, signaling an elite D line.

“The line of scrimmage is the key. You’ve got to be dialed in to how you’re going to get off the ball. You’ve got to be dialed in to where you’re supposed to be and reduce negative plays and things that can hurt you pre-snap,” said offensive cordinator Marcus Arroyo. Furthermore, ASU’s DC, Brian Ward, touted his D-line to do an exceptional job on Saturday. “When you put them up against our front four and the depth that we have at the D-line, it’s going to be a great battle.” The verdict?

ASU knows that the main battle lies in the trenches, something even QB2 Jeff Sims can execute. The QB has 1,478 rushing yards to his name, along with 4,914 passing yards, showing his effectiveness. So, it seems, the Texas Tech game in Week 8 will be where Sam Leavitt will return, as it could decide ASU’s Big 12 title fate. It would be a thrilling matchup, too, since the Red Raiders are undefeated so far, decimating teams like Utah and Houston.