On a cold, wind-swept night at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado, the Arizona State Sun Devils didn’t just win—they announced themselves as serious contenders in the Big 12 Conference. Their 42-17 demolition of the Colorado Buffaloes on November 22, 2025, wasn’t just a statement win—it was a statement of survival. With their season hanging by a thread after a rocky start, the Sun Devils responded with a second-half explosion that buried Colorado under a avalanche of rushing yards, turnovers, and raw physicality.
The Raleek Brown Show
No one expected Raleek Brown to turn into a human highlight reel. But there he was, carving up Colorado’s defense for 255 rushing yards—the third-highest single-game total in Arizona State Sun Devils history. He didn’t just run; he broke tackles, spun out of arm tackles, and even bulldozed through linebackers on third-and-long. Two touchdowns. Three fumbles. One interception. The man was a walking contradiction: brilliant and volatile, all at once. And yet, the Sun Devils didn’t flinch. They leaned on him. They trusted him. And when the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, it was Brown who had carried them to a win that keeps their Big 12 title contention alive.Jordyn Tyson’s Shadow
But the real story whispering through the locker room? Jordyn Tyson. The future NFL wide receiver, a 6’3” target with elite route-running and hands that feel like velvet, was listed as questionable in pregame reports. Sources close to the program said he’d been battling a high-ankle sprain since the Kansas State game two weeks prior. He didn’t practice all week. He was seen walking with a slight limp on Friday. Then, on Saturday, he warmed up. He jogged routes. He caught passes. And when the game started, he was on the field—limited, but active. CBS Sports reported he “seems likely to play,” but no medical details followed. That’s the thing about Tyson: his presence alone changes defenses. Even if he’s 80%, he’s still the most dangerous weapon Arizona State has. His availability could be the difference between a New Year’s Six bowl and a middling finish.Colorado’s Broken Line
For the Colorado Buffaloes, this was a nightmare dressed in gold and silver. Their offensive line—already battered by injuries—collapsed under the pressure. Arizona State’s defensive front sacked freshman quarterback Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis four times and consistently disrupted running lanes. But the Buffaloes’ own line couldn’t protect their own QB. Jeremiah Brown, Colorado’s leading linebacker, was listed as “questionable” in the November 24 Avanca.com injury report, meaning he likely played through pain—or didn’t play at all. Defensive ends, including one named only as “London,” were marked “probable,” but the lack of specificity speaks volumes. When you can’t name your starters, you’re not a team—you’re a patchwork.
Julian Lewis: The Redshirt Question
Then there’s Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis. The 18-year-old freshman from Houston completed just 19 of 38 passes. Four sacks. One touchdown. He looked young. He looked rattled. And yet—he didn’t quit. He kept throwing into coverage. He kept scrambling when the pocket collapsed. When asked if he’d be redshirted to preserve eligibility, his answer was blunt: “There’s a lot more into it than just me with the redshirt situation. I don’t have any information on that.” That’s the quiet confidence of a kid who knows his season isn’t his to decide. His next game—whenever it is—will determine whether he gets to keep that redshirt. But right now, he’s not thinking about that. He’s thinking about the next snap.Why This Matters
Arizona State (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) remains alive in the conference title race. They’re one win away from locking up a top-four finish. Colorado (3-8, 2-6), meanwhile, is officially out of contention. Their defense gave up 580 total yards. They scored only three points off four ASU turnovers. That’s not bad luck—that’s systemic failure. And with the coaching staff under pressure, the future in Boulder looks increasingly uncertain.The Sun Devils, by contrast, are finding their identity. They don’t need perfect passes. They don’t need flawless execution. They just need Raleek Brown to carry the ball 30 times, Jordyn Tyson to make one big catch, and a defense that can force one turnover every quarter. It’s not pretty. But it’s working.
What’s Next?
Arizona State’s final regular-season game is against Utah Utes on December 6, 2025, in Salt Lake City. A win there likely means a Big 12 Championship berth. A loss? They’re looking at the Alamo Bowl. Colorado’s season ends next week against Arizona Wildcats—a rivalry game that now means nothing but pride.For now, the Sun Devils are riding high. The injury reports are messy. The quarterback is raw. But the running back? He’s a force of nature. And if Jordyn Tyson can stay healthy? This team might just be dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Raleek Brown’s 255 rushing yards rank in Arizona State history?
Raleek Brown’s 255 rushing yards against Colorado rank as the third-highest single-game total in Arizona State Sun Devils history. Only two players—Derek Hines (278 yards in 2001) and J.J. Taylor (267 yards in 2019)—have rushed for more in a game. Brown’s performance is the most by an ASU running back since 2019 and the highest in the Big 12 this season.
Is Jordyn Tyson’s injury serious, and will he play next week?
Tyson is believed to be dealing with a high-ankle sprain sustained against Kansas State, which typically takes 2–4 weeks to heal. He was limited in practice all week but played against Colorado, suggesting he’s managing the injury. His availability for the Utah game on December 6 remains uncertain. If he’s not 100%, ASU may limit his snaps to preserve him for a potential bowl game.
Why is Julian Lewis’s redshirt status so important?
Lewis can still redshirt if he plays in four or fewer games this season. He’s appeared in four games so far, including three starts. If he plays against Utah, he’ll burn his redshirt year. But if he’s benched or injured, the coaching staff might preserve his eligibility for 2026. His performance against Colorado suggests he’s ready to be the starter—but the decision isn’t his to make.
How did Colorado’s injuries impact their performance?
Colorado’s offensive line was decimated by injuries, with at least three starters either out or playing through pain. Linebacker Jeremiah Brown’s questionable status likely meant reduced snaps, weakening their run defense. Without consistent pressure on Lewis or protection for their own QB, Colorado’s offense stalled. They managed only 247 total yards and zero touchdowns in the second half.
What’s at stake for Arizona State in their final game against Utah?
A win over Utah on December 6 would clinch a top-four finish in the Big 12 and likely earn Arizona State a spot in the conference championship game. A loss would drop them to fifth, opening the door for Oklahoma State or Texas Tech to leapfrog them. The Sun Devils haven’t played for a conference title since 2013—this is their best shot in over a decade.
Did the weather affect the game?
Yes. Temperatures hovered around 28°F (-2°C) with a 20 mph wind gusting through Folsom Field. That made passing difficult—Lewis’s 19 completions came on 38 attempts, and Colorado’s QB threw two interceptions in the wind. The conditions favored a ground game, which is exactly why Arizona State leaned on Brown for 355 rushing yards.
