Arizona State Erases 14-Point Deficit to Tie No. 8 BYU 17-17 in 4th Quarter

Q: What halftime adjustments changed everything as No. 8 BYU and Arizona State entered the fourth quarter tied 17-17?

Arizona State changed the game by finding balance and tempo on offense, while BYU initially failed to answer after the break. After trailing by 14 at halftime, the Sun Devils came out with a much more effective second-half plan built around Cardae Mack’s running and simpler, quicker decisions for freshman quarterback Jake Fette. Mack’s production on the ground steadied the offense, and Fette capitalized by throwing touchdown passes on Arizona State’s first two possessions of the half. That combination erased the deficit quickly and shifted momentum. Just as important, BYU’s offense opened the third quarter with back-to-back three-and-outs. Those empty possessions gave Arizona State favorable rhythm and field position, allowing the Sun Devils to control the pace and keep pressure on the Cougars’ defense. The broader reporting also suggests the tactical picture was more nuanced than the score alone. BYU’s defense, coordinated by Kelly Poppinga, later responded by increasing pressure and using more aggressive blitz looks to disrupt Fette, which helped the Cougars eventually regain control. On offense, coordinator Aaron Roderick was credited with improving the play-calling as the game moved deeper into the second half. So the halftime swing that produced the 17-17 tie was driven mainly by Arizona State leaning into Mack’s rushing threat, giving Fette cleaner opportunities in the passing game, and BYU’s offense stalling badly out of the locker room.

2 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Oct 31

17-17 opened the fourth quarter after Arizona State wiped out BYU’s 14-point halftime lead, turning what looked like a Halloween blowout into a tight finish.
Two straight BYU three-and-outs to start the second half gave Arizona State the opening, and the Sun Devils scored touchdowns on each of their first two possessions.
Cardae Mack powered the turnaround with 108 rushing yards after a quiet first half, as Arizona State’s ground game finally found room.
Jake Fette added two touchdown passes after anemic first two quarters, helping Arizona State complete the comeback against the No. 8 Cougars.