Baylor's Caden Knighten 75-Yard Dash Seals 55-19 Rout of Arizona State

Decisive Momentum Shifts

The visiting Baylor Bears (4-1) dismantled the host Arizona State Sun Devils (2-2) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The game’s defining moment came in the third quarter when Caden Knighten returned a kick 75 yards for a touchdown, extending Baylor’s lead and signaling the Sun Devils’ inability to contain the Bears’ offense. That play, worth seven points, pushed the score to 45-16 and set the stage for a final margin of 36 points. With an attendance of 54,063, the crowd witnessed a comprehensive display of offensive execution by the visitors, who never trailed after the first quarter’s opening drive.

Scoring Breakdown

Baylor established control early, outscoring Arizona State 14-3 in the first quarter. Ryelan Morris opened the scoring with a 63-yard run, followed by a 3-yard pass from DJ Lagway to Tony Livingston. In the second quarter, Louis Brown IV caught a 10-yard pass from Lagway to extend the lead, though Carson Smith of Arizona State responded with a 32-yard field goal. The Sun Devils’ only offensive spark came when Cutter Boley connected with Omarion Miller on a 30-yard pass, but Rhett Armstrong’s 36-yard field goal for Baylor kept the visitors ahead 24-13 at halftime.

The second half was a statement of dominance. Baylor scored 21 points in the third quarter, highlighted by Hawkins Polley’s 3-yard reception, Jadon Porter’s 8-yard catch, and Knighten’s 75-yard touchdown run. Arizona State managed only three points in that period via a 36-yard field goal by Smith.

In the fourth quarter, Lagway added to his tally with an 11-yard rushing touchdown, and Armstrong closed the game with a 23-yard field goal, securing the 55-19 final result.

Statistical Performance

DJ Lagway was the engine of the Baylor offense, completing 25 of 40 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. His ability to distribute the ball kept Arizona State’s defense off balance. On the ground, Ryelan Morris contributed 84 yards on nine carries and scored one touchdown. Gavin Freeman led the receiving corps with 115 yards on seven catches.

For Arizona State, Cutter Boley attempted 43 passes, completing 25 for 304 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Reed Harris was the top receiver with 125 yards on seven catches, while Kyson Brown rushed for 34 yards on seven carries. Despite these efforts, the Sun Devils could not overcome the Bears’ explosive offense, which combined for 55 points against their 19.

Baylor returns home with a 4-1 record, while Arizona State sits at 2-2 following the loss.

Sources

ESPN