Just now:With 2 Starters Suspended, Arizona State Comes Up Short in Big 12 Test at Oklahoma State
Arizona State faced a significant challenge heading into their high-profile non-conference matchup against Oklahoma State: two key starters were suspended due to undisclosed team violations. The shorthanded Sun Devils fought valiantly on the road but ultimately came up short, falling 31-20 to the Oklahoma State Cowboys in a hard-fought contest in Stillwater on Saturday night.
Missing key contributors on both sides of the ball, Arizona State struggled to find consistency, especially in the first half, and was unable to match the physicality and depth of the Cowboys for four full quarters. The result marked a missed opportunity for the Sun Devils to notch a statement win against a Big 12 opponent as they continue to navigate early season turbulence.
Suspensions Leave a Void
Arizona State entered the game already under the microscope, with head coach Kenny Dillingham facing pressure in his second year to elevate the program. Just hours before kickoff, the school confirmed that starting linebacker DeShawn Mallory and starting wide receiver Elijhah Badger would be suspended for violation of team rules. The absence of both veterans was deeply felt throughout the night.
Mallory, the leader of the defense and one of the top tacklers from last season, was especially missed as the Sun Devils struggled to contain the Cowboys’ rushing attack. Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II took advantage of the depleted defense, rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns. His performance wore down the ASU front seven, who had trouble maintaining gap discipline and tackling in space without their vocal leader anchoring the unit.
On offense, the loss of Badger—Arizona State’s leading receiver from last year—left quarterback Jaden Rashada without a reliable downfield target. Though sophomore wideout Melquan Stovall stepped up with 6 catches for 84 yards, the passing game lacked the explosiveness and rhythm needed to keep up with the Cowboys’ scoring pace.
A Tale of Two Halves
Arizona State started slowly, falling behind 17-3 in the first half as Oklahoma State capitalized on several ASU mistakes. A muffed punt in the second quarter set up the Cowboys with excellent field position, which they converted into a touchdown just two plays later. Meanwhile, Rashada looked uncomfortable behind a struggling offensive line, taking three sacks in the first 30 minutes and missing several open throws.
Despite those struggles, the Sun Devils showed resilience in the third quarter. Rashada led a 75-yard touchdown drive coming out of halftime, capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jalin Conyers, cutting the deficit to 17-10. The defense also responded with back-to-back stops, giving ASU a chance to tie the game. But a key red zone turnover—a fumble by running back Cameron Skattebo on the Oklahoma State 8-yard line—halted their momentum and swung the game back in favor of the home team.
Oklahoma State capitalized on the turnover with a 12-play, 92-yard drive, extending their lead to 24-10 early in the fourth quarter. From there, Arizona State was playing catch-up, and though they added a late touchdown and field goal, the deficit proved too large to overcome.
Rashada Shows Potential, but Inexperience Shows
Freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada had flashes of brilliance, finishing with 243 yards passing and two touchdowns, but his inexperience was evident. Facing consistent pressure from Oklahoma State’s defensive front, Rashada often held the ball too long and misfired on third downs, finishing just 4-of-11 on third-down conversions.
Still, head coach Kenny Dillingham saw positives in Rashada’s growth.
> “He’s learning on the job,” Dillingham said after the game. “That’s a tough place to play, against a good defense, down two starters. He showed heart and toughness. We just didn’t execute well enough as a team.”
Looking Ahead
The loss drops Arizona State to 1-1 on the young season, with several questions looming. The status of Mallory and Badger remains unclear heading into next week’s Pac-12 opener against Utah, a game that could set the tone for the rest of their conference campaign.
Depth and discipline remain concerns for a program trying to find its footing in a season full of expectations and uncertainty. The Sun Devils must also clean up their mistakes—three turnovers, 8 penalties, and a missed field goal—if they hope to compete in a deep Pac-12 this year.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma State improves to 2-0 and gains momentum heading into Big 12 play. The Cowboys weren’t perfect but took care of business at home against a Power Five opponent, showcasing their depth and physicality—traits that could help them contend in a wide-open conference race.