When Arizona State announced that starting quarterback Sam Leavitt was out for the season, there were plenty of people who thought the Sun Devils were done with their playoff push. However, after former Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims took over the starting spot, ASU is 3-0 and back in the Big 12 title game talks.
Against Iowa State and West Virginia, Sims helped Arizona State grit out close wins. Against Colorado, Sims got a measure of revenge against Deion Sanders and his crew with a blowout, 42-17 win.
Sims certainly didn't play a perfect game; he threw an interception and fumbled once, but he also allowed the Sun Devils to stay in the game until they were able to take over. The former Nebraska quarterback, well known for turnovers, also threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns. At the very least, he did enough that he wasn't hamstringing his new team as they blew out the Buffaloes.
Former Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims sparks Arizona State’s playoff push after surprise starting role
That was certainly not the case when the former Husker went up against CU. In Nebraska, head coach Matt Rhule, as well as in Sanders' first year, the two programs met up to revive an old Big 8 rivalry.
In that 2023 showdown, Sims completed just 9 of 15 passes for 106 yards and an interception. He also fumbled twice, both early in the game. Those turnovers allowed the Buffaloes to steamroll the Huskers 36-14.
After losing his starting job with Nebraska, Sims was destined to be a bench rider for the rest of his college football career. However, Leavitt's injury gave him another chance to start, and he's made the most of it.