Kenny Dillingham’s ASU won over TCU, 27-24, but sustained a heavy injury to the offensive front. Sam Leavitt has been listed as doubtful on the injury report, sending concerns throughout the fanbase. His appearance against Utah remains doubtful. In lieu of that development, the head coach has announced the next QB in line if Sam is not able to go.

As per a report by Pate Thamel, veteran Jeff Sims will start the game against Utah if Sam can’t participate. “Per a source, veteran Jeff Sims would be in line to start for ASU if Leavitt can’t go. He’s a sixth-year senior who has played at both Georgia Tech and Nebraska,” he wrote on X. Over his collegiate career, the veteran has started over 26 games, including his stints at Nebraska (2) and Georgia Tech (23).

Dillingham’s roster is heavy with injuries presently. 11 players are out, including WR Noble Johnson, QB Cameron Dyer, and DB Xavion Afford.

Last year, for ASU, Sims appeared against Cincinnati after chipping in for an Sam Leavitt, who received a hit on his chest. He completed 12-of-23 passes for 155 yards and rushed another 53 yards in a 24-14 loss. Concerns are heavy. Over five years, he has thrown an alarming 29 interceptions, completing 57% of his throws, with 31 touchdown passes.

On the offensive unit, conversions in the red zone area are an alarming concern as well.
The Devils rank No. 66th in red zone offense. With field goals, they are able to salvage their games against Baylor and TCU. But with the upcoming slate of challenging games, can they slice through the defense in the red-zone area?

“The short red area, I have to be better as a coach,” ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham said. “I’ve got to give our guys better opportunities to be successful,” the head coach said. “We can’t just force things. We have to be more creative and really try to create one-on-ones down there instead of really good one-on-ones, so that starts with me down there in the low red area.” In addition to that, the third-down equation is not that great either. Ranking No. 127th among the FBS schools, they have completed 30.9% of those attempts.

But on the upside, ASU’s defense is going strong. They have barely allowed 2.6 yards per carry, limiting the offense. Meanwhile, Utah’s quarterback Damon Dampier has been going steady. 11 scores and three picks later, he has completed 73% of his passes.

Offensive coordinator gets candid on Jeff Sims

Jeff Sims has got the experience after starting more than 20+ games, displaying good arms at times. “Jeff Simms’ work ethic and how he’s added on to the quarterback room, just overall his ability since he’s been here,” Arroyo praised Sims. “He’s just a guy who’s come to work every day as a backup and a guy who’s been in college football for, you know, a long time now and still shows up every day with a good attitude, prepares well.”
The coach further stated that Sims has been drilling reps since the bye week.

On the other hand, last season, Leavitt chipped in 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. This season, so far, he has tallied eight touchdowns with three interceptions.
“Sam’s a special, special individual,” offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said to the press on Wednesday. “I think we spent a lot of time in the bye week of getting grounded and trying to be human again.”

Well, the Sun Devils have never beaten the Utes during a night game as of now. It would be interesting to see how this matchup turns out, in a night game, with his star QB absent.