Arizona State Sun Devils fans caused a stir by storming the field too early after a game against BYU last Saturday night. The excited crowd celebrated a win before it was officially confirmed, as ASU nearly lost the game.
In a chaotic turn of events, ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt accidentally threw the football into the stands with one second left on the clock, after a failed attempt to run down time. Fans rushed onto the field, celebrating prematurely and even tearing down a goalpost. The celebration was quickly stopped as officials worked to restore order before the game was officially over, Phoenix New Times reports. In the end, BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff's Hail Mary attempt fell short, and ASU's victory was confirmed. However, the win came with controversy as officials scrambled to clear the field and get the crowd out of the way for the final play.
Despite the mishap, the Sun Devils secured a 28-23 victory over the 15th-ranked BYU Cougars, a key win that brings them closer to a potential College Football Playoff spot. ASU, BYU, and the Colorado Buffaloes are now tied with a 6-2 record in Big 12 play as they head into the final week of the regular season, according to USA Today.
Amid the chaos, ASU coach Kenny Dillingham engaged in heated talks with the referees, reflecting the tension felt by both teams and their fans as the final second stubbornly ticked away. After a tense delay, order was restored, and the goalposts were secured.
