Leavitt out, Jeff Sims to start for Arizona State vs Utah

Arizona State will be without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt when the No. 21 Sun Devils visit Utah on Saturday night at Rice Eccles Stadium, coach Kenny Dillingham said, elevating the significance of a long‑anticipated Big 12 matchup set to kick off at 10:15 p.m. Eastern. Leavitt, who has completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 1,039 yards and eight touchdowns this season, has been held out because of a lower‑body injury sustained Sept. 20 at Baylor, Dillingham said, with the decision made to protect the quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Veteran Jeff Sims will start in Leavitt’s place. Sims, a sixth‑year player who started at Georgia Tech and Nebraska before transferring to Arizona State, has totaled 4,914 passing yards and 31 touchdowns with 29 interceptions in his career, and adds 1,464 rushing yards and 13 scores. Coaches and analysts expect the Sun Devils to rely on a similar dual‑threat approach under Sims, though his history of turnovers and a lower career completion rate are potential concerns against a Utah defense that has been effective in limiting opposing passing attacks.

Arizona State also arrives with a lengthy injury report. Several defensive...