Arizona State vs. Northern Arizona: Predictions, Breakout Stars, and Bold Calls
- Jordon Leon
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Location: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ
Matchup: In-state rivalry game and the official start of ASU’s 2025 campaign — a chance to set the tone before diving into a grueling Big 12 slate.
Game Context & Narrative
This isn’t just the ceremonial “warm-up” game it might appear to be on paper. Yes, Northern Arizona is an FCS opponent, but they’ll come in with nothing to lose and plenty of motivation to spoil the Sun Devils’ opener. For Arizona State, it’s the perfect opportunity to show what a year of recruiting, transfer portal work, and system building has produced under Kenny Dillingham.
All eyes will be on Sam Leavitt, the redshirt sophomore quarterback who enters 2025 as one of the Big 12’s most talked-about players. With his blend of arm talent, mobility, and football IQ, Leavitt is expected to drive a more balanced, aggressive offensive approach. Meanwhile, ASU’s defensive front — led by disruptive interior play and fast, physical linebackers — will aim to control the line of scrimmage from the first snap.
Final Score Prediction
Arizona State 47, Northern Arizona 13This should be a comfortable win. The Sun Devils’ athleticism, depth, and playmaking ability across all position groups should overwhelm NAU. Expect ASU to take command early, build a multi-score lead by halftime, and rotate in younger players to gain valuable experience late in the game.
Breakout Player of the Game
Sam Leavitt – Quarterback (RS-So) Leavitt showed last season why he comes in as one of the most highly touted QB's, but this season is his moment to fully command the stage. Against an NAU defense that lacks the speed to keep up with ASU’s wideouts, he’ll have opportunities to push the ball downfield and test every layer of their coverage. Don’t be surprised if he opens with a quick tempo, spreads the ball to 7–8 different targets, and mixes in designed quarterback runs to keep the defense honest.
What makes Leavitt a breakout candidate in this game isn’t just his stat line — it’s the poise and command he can display in the pocket, the decisiveness on RPO reads, and his ability to extend plays when protection breaks down. This is the type of performance that can not only light up the scoreboard but also solidify his role as a true leader heading into conference play.
Hot Take for Arizona State vs NAU
ASU’s offense won’t be the first to score — the defense will. On Northern Arizona’s opening possession, look for the Sun Devils to dial up pressure, force a turnover, and turn it directly into points, possibly via a pick-six or a fumble return.
That defensive jolt will set the tone, energizing the home crowd and signaling that this isn’t just an “offense wins games” type of team. The Sun Devils have playmakers on all three levels of the defense, and in this matchup, their aggressiveness should pay off in a big way. If this hot take comes true, it will be the first time since 2024 that ASU’s defense scored the team’s opening points of the season.
Stat Predictions
Sam Leavitt: 20-of-25 passing, 280 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs; 8 carries, 60 yards, 1 rushing TD
Kyson Brown (RB, Jr): 12 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD
Raleek Brown (RB, RS-Jr): 6 carries, 40 yards
Receivers: At least one 40+ yard completion, with multiple players over 50 receiving yards
Defense: 4 sacks, 2 forced turnovers (including 1 defensive touchdown), 7 tackles for loss
Total Offense: ~550 yards (300 passing, 250 rushing)
Time of Possession: 36+ minutes
Closing Thoughts
This season opener is more than just a formality — it’s a tone-setter for everything ASU hopes to accomplish in 2025. For Kenny Dillingham, it’s a chance to showcase how far the program has come in execution, discipline, and depth. For Sam Leavitt, it’s the first statement game in what could be a season-long Big 12 Player of the Year campaign.
A decisive win over Northern Arizona won’t move the national rankings needle, but it will give ASU’s fan base a glimpse of the team’s ceiling. Strong quarterback play, a versatile run game, and a defense capable of generating game-changing turnovers are the hallmarks of a contender — and this matchup provides the perfect stage to prove those elements are in place.
If the Sun Devils can dominate all three phases from start to finish, rest key starters late, and give younger players live reps, they’ll walk into Week 2 at Mississippi State with confidence — and maybe even with a bit of swagger.
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