Arizona State 24–19 Iowa State: Jeff Sims runs into the record book as Sun Devils edge Cyclones in Ames

Arizona State rode a historic night from quarterback Jeff Sims to a gritty 24–19 win over Iowa State on Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium, a result built on explosive QB runs, leverage-down defense, and one costly Cyclones special-teams miscue.

The headline: a QB rushing record and three TD fingerprints

Sims was the problem Iowa State couldn’t solve. The senior set an Arizona State single-game rushing record for a quarterback with 228 yards, piling up 405 total yards and factoring into three touchdowns. His long-speed showed up on an 88-yard burst after halftime that flipped field position and momentum, and his keepers repeatedly punished overaggressive edges. Through the air, he layered timely throws—particularly to tight end Chamon Metayer—to keep chains moving and stop the defense from loading the box.

How the game swung

• Trade of early field goals (3–3) set a cagey tone before Iowa State nudged ahead behind Rocco Becht and a steady diet of Carson Hansen runs.

• Arizona State’s two-score answer before the half flipped it to 17–16 Sun Devils at the break, helped by Sims’ ground damage and a red-zone finish.

• Third-quarter hinge: Sims’ 88-yard dash set up points and forced Iowa State to chase. The Cyclones had answers between the 20s but bogged down in the red area.

• Special teams bite: A dropped PAT snap in the second half left Iowa State a point shy in a one-score game—looming large as possessions dwindled.

• Final frame: Arizona State’s defense closed with rush/coverage sync, squeezing windows for Becht and tackling cleanly on the perimeter.

Scary moment, positive early signs

Fourth-quarter tension spiked when Cyclones tight end Benjamin Brahmer appeared disoriented after a hard hit and collapsed while attempting to walk toward the sideline. Medical staff stabilized him and transported him to a local hospital as a precaution. Postgame, the initial word on his condition was encouraging, though the program will evaluate further.

By the numbers

Arizona State

• Jeff Sims: 228 rush yds, 405 total yds, 3 TD accounted for

• Chamon Metayer: chain-moving targets, chunk gains down the seam

• Defense: multiple late stops inside the 30; zero fourth-quarter points allowed

Iowa State

• Rocco Becht: ~186 pass yds, 1 TD; flashes under pressure but heat rose late

• Carson Hansen: 100+ rush yds, steady early-down ballast

• Chase Sowell: ~85 receiving yds, the intermediate outlet all night

(Team and individual figures reflect the official postgame book.)

Why Arizona State’s plan worked

1. QB run as a feature, not a bailout. Designed keepers and zone-read looks were built into the script, forcing Iowa State to defend 11.

2. Formational stress. Tight end motions and condensed splits disguised run fits and sprung Metayer on play-action.

3. Situational defense. The Sun Devils traded yards for downs, then won third-and-medium with interior push and rally tackling.

What it means

• Arizona State (6–3, 4–2 Big 12): A signature road win that keeps conference positioning intact heading into November. The Sims-led ground game travels, and the defense’s late situational poise is a November credential.

• Iowa State (5–4, 2–4): Missed chances define the night—one-point margins after a failed PAT, red-zone stalls, and a few explosives allowed. The ground game and front-seven effort provide a path forward if the red area cleans up.

Turning-point timeline

• 2Q, late: Sun Devils finish a short field to grab their first lead.

• 3Q, 12:54: Sims 88-yard breakaway sets up a two-score cushion.

• 4Q, multiple drives: Iowa State crosses midfield twice but leaves without points; final march ends on downs near the ASU 40.

What’s next

Arizona State returns home with momentum and a QB-centered identity that’s hard to prep for on a short week. Iowa State faces a film session that will sting—especially on special teams and contain rules—but still controls its bowl outlook with a cleaner November.

 In a game of inches and assignments, Arizona State had the best player on the field—and a plan to let him decide it. Jeff Sims did the rest.