Texas State-Arizona State Game Continued After Broadcast Ended Due To Clock Error

The Arizona State Sun Devils picked up a big win on Thursday night with a 31-28 victory over Texas State, who many believe will be the Group of Five representative in the College Football Playoff.

But things almost went haywire for the Sun Devils, and ESPN, thanks to a clock operator error that threw everybody for a loop.

Arizona State took a 3-point lead with 6:29 left to play on a 22-yard field golf from Ian Hershey. It then stopped the Bobcats on downs and appeared to run out the clock, taking a knee to end the game.

But somebody either miscounted or improperly managed the clock.  Somehow, Arizona State’s final two plays, which involved quarterback Sam Leavitt running backward before taking a knee, took just three seconds off the clock.

Texas State Gets Extra Shot At Victory Over Arizona State Thanks To Clock Operator

ESPN went off the air after Leavitt’s final knee, believing the game was over. But instead, the referees put one second back on the clock and gave the ball to Texas State for one final play.

Last play of the game with one second on the clock FWIW #SquarinAround

Some confusion and delay from officials, players and fans had already said some goodbyes and then this wild play at the end kept it interesting. #EatEmUp #TXST pic.twitter.com/xj5gjvdkqF

— Squarin’ Around: A Texas State Sports Podcast (@SquarinPod) September 13, 2024

With seemingly nobody left in the stadium, the Bobcats took one final shot at winning the game. Though it ultimately ended up with a lateral into the hands of an Arizona State defender, which officially ended the game.

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham was not happy about the situation.

“If they put another second on this clock…no way,” Dillingham said in what he believed was a postgame interview.

He then came back and met with the reporter again, stating “I’m only here right now so I don’t get fined, because that was ridiculous.”

“This may be the most home cooking clock operator in the nation,” for NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz said of the situation. “Arizona State snaps the ball with 2 seconds left. The QB runs backwards 5 yards and only a second is run off the clock.”