**Analyzing ASU Football’s Most Pivotal Games Since 2000**

The anticipation is building as Arizona State University (ASU) prepares to host BYU in a game laden with significance. To fully understand the gravity of this upcoming match, it's critical to look back at some of the most high-stakes games ASU has played since 2000.

In recent decades, ASU has had a handful of matchups where the stakes were sky-high. After combing through schedules dating back to 2000, six games stand out where a ranked ASU team faced a ranked opponent with significant implications. Among these, only three took place at Sun Devil Stadium, now renamed Mountain America Stadium.

One notable game occurred on Oct. 19, 2019, when ASU, ranked 17th, faced No. 13 Utah. Led by Jayden Daniels and Eno Benjamin, ASU entered the game with a 5-1 record, having notable victories over No. 18 Michigan State and No. 15 Cal. However, the Sun Devils suffered a 21-3 loss, marking the beginning of a four-game losing streak. They did bounce back to secure a win against No. 6 Oregon, but the magnitude of the loss to Utah on the road eclipses this week's game against BYU.

On Nov. 8, 2014, ASU, under Todd Graham, faced No. 8 Notre Dame and achieved a resounding 55-31 win. Key players like Taylor Kelly and Jaelen Strong led the offensive charge, bringing ASU to an 8-1 record. While this win had a considerable recruiting impact, it doesn't quite reach the level of criticality as the BYU game, mainly because it was played earlier in the season and was a non-conference match.

Then there's the game on Nov. 28, 2014, against No. 12 Arizona. Following a surprising loss to Oregon State, ASU needed this win to keep their season hopes alive. Unfortunately, ASU fell short, losing 42-35, a defeat that significantly hurt their season's outlook. Despite the consequential loss, the away game setting makes it less comparable to the upcoming BYU clash.

ASU's Dec. 7, 2013, game against No. 7 Stanford also deserves mention. A season marked by high expectations ended in disappointment after Stanford dominated with a 38-14 win. This match was part of the Pac-12 Championship, held at Sun Devil Stadium, but the disastrous start quelled the hype quickly.

Another key game held on Nov. 22, 2007, saw ASU, ranked No. 7, play against No. 11 USC. Initially competitive, ASU couldn't maintain momentum, ultimately falling 44-24. Despite the loss, they managed to finish the season with a win over Arizona but were defeated in the Holiday Bowl by No. 17 Texas.

Finally, on Nov. 2, 2002, ASU faced No. 8 Washington State in freezing weather and lost 44-22. Andrew Walter's commendable performance couldn't secure a win, and the season went off the rails afterward, leading to just one win in their final five games.

In conclusion, while ASU has had its share of critical games since 2000, the impending BYU matchup stands out, especially considering the potential College Football Playoff implications and the advantages of playing at home in Mountain America Stadium.