Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is doubtful for the No. 21 Sun Devils’ game Saturday at Utah after appearing as a surprise downgrade on the Big 12’s availability report Thursday night.
Leavitt was listed as probable Wednesday and is dealing with an undisclosed injury that head coach Kenny Dillingham said may keep him sidelined for the late-night matchup.
“Sam’s been battling something going back to Baylor,” Dillingham told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Friday morning. “The bye week was good for him to kind of get back, and this week it didn’t feel as good as we wanted to. … If he plays in the game, it’ll be a mini miracle. I’d be shocked.”
If Leavitt cannot go, backup Jeff Sims is expected to start for Arizona State in Salt Lake City. Sims has made 26 career start between Georgia Tech, Nebraska and ASU. His lone start last season for the Sun Devils came in a 24-14 loss at Cincinnati.
Leavitt’s injury comes after the Sun Devils’ 27-24 win over TCU on Sept. 26. He has thrown for 1,039 yards and eight touchdowns this season, completing 63.1 percent of his passes. Since a rough two interception outing at Mississippi State, he has thrown five touchdown passes without a pick over the past three games.
Leavitt led Arizona State to a College Football Playoff berth last season. He finished with 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Kickoff between Arizona State and Utah is set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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