On fourth down, with his team leading 31-28 on Thursday night, Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt took the snap, ran back six yards and dropped to his knees, giving ASU the win over Texas State.
At least that’s what we thought.
After a lengthy review, the referees called the teams back onto the field and gave Texas State one final play with 1 second remaining from their own 30-yard line. ASU recovered a fumble on that play, preventing a Bobcats miracle, but social media was dumbfounded by the decision to give Texas State one more play.
ESPN’s broadcast of the game had even already ended. The final play was not broadcast because the program had already switched to SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt.
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More: The conclusion of the Arizona State vs. Texas State college football game will not be broadcast on ESPN on Thursday
This is how the last game between Arizona State and Texas State went
@RedditCFB captured the bizarre ending on his X account.
Big confusion on the field here in San Marcos. The game that was supposed to be over is being restarted???
An announcement was made over the loudspeaker that the last play was being reviewed and the teams were rushing to rebuild the field. The band is still playing! pic.twitter.com/TGdBhIfXX4
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) 13 September 2024
Texas State received the ball at its own 30-yard line after checking and determining that there was one second left on the clock.
They went into a lateral play formation, and after the wide receiver caught the ball, he tried to throw it back to a lineman who immediately… https://t.co/i8iLiRhGHt
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) 13 September 2024
ICYMI: At the end of yesterday’s ASU-TXST game, there was a final down that no one at home saw because it was reviewed after the game and ESPN ruled it final. The refs ended up winding the clock back a second for TXST, allowing the team to regain possession of the ball after a down. Imagine if it had scored 😅 https://t.co/tvGyfsLt38
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) 13 September 2024
More: Expectations are rising for Arizona State football after beating Texas State and an impressive 3-0 start
Reactions from the ASU football team: Social media marvels at Sun Devils’ 3-0 start against Texas State
“Hour of the Amateurs”: This is how social media reacted to the additional game in the ASU vs. Texas State football game
There were definitely thoughts on social media about the game’s crazy ending.
How ASU’s last two offensive plays took a total of 3 seconds off the clock is a complete mystery. On both plays, Leavitt waited before kneeling. Major faux pas by the timekeeper.
— Chris Jenkins (@SmartSunDevil) 13 September 2024
ESPN didn’t even re-show the last game.
What a joke from these referees.
Now it’s 3-0 for ASU.
— Ryan Gutierrez (@RGutie7) 13 September 2024
11 years ago this week, Wisconsin took a knee and kicked an easy, game-winning field goal. ASU jumped on the ball and the game was just over. The Pac-12 referees ran off the field before anyone could say anything.
Maybe Texas State finally got Wisconsin’s extra game today. 😅https://t.co/lDVP5GNj0m
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) 13 September 2024
Result Arizona State – Texas State: Sun Devils beat Bobcats and are 3-0 on the season
“That was ridiculous”: This is how the ASU football coach reacted to the last game against Texas State
Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham was quite upset immediately after the game, as evidenced by his reaction on the field.
Pac-12 After Dark has apparently followed ASU football to the Big 12.
What do you think about Texas State playing one last game against Arizona State?
ASU Football Schedule: Dates, times, TV channels for the 2024 Sun Devils season
Reach Jeremy Cluff at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU vs. Texas State football game referee criticized for review and final play
