(Tempe, AZ) ASU after losing to Utah big, things didn’t get any easier with league leading Texas Tech coming to town.
The Red Raiders came in leading the nation in total yards at 558 per game. This will be a tough test for ASU’s defense who got shredded last week 42-10 in Salt Lake City.
First Quarter
Both teams started out slow with Texas Tech going three and out on their first two possessions. The Sun Devils were able to get a couple of first downs but still were forced to punt.
With five minutes to go, the Devils offense opened things up through the air, but the Tech defense stiffened and forced a 34 yard field goal by Jesus Gomez field goal to put Arizona State on the board 3-0 at the 1:43 mark.
Photo – On3.com
Second Quarter
The Red Raiders still were unable to figure out Coach Brian Ward’s defensive scheme still gaining under 50 yards in total offense and 3 first downs.
Gomez added a 47 yard field goal to extend the Devils’lead to 6-0 just as the start of the quarter.
On a fourth down and one, Coach Marcos Arroyo dialed up a long post pattern that fell incomplete and a turnover on downs back to the Red Raiders midway thr0ugh the quarter.
After a quarter and a half of inept offense, Texas Tech scored on 30 yard pass from Will Hammond to Coy Eakins and suddenly the Red Raiders had the lead 7-6 t the halfway point of the quarter.
Leavitt aired a long fly pattern to Jaren Hamilton down to the Texas Tech four yard line just shy of the two minute timeout.
Once again, ASU got the minimum out of the opportunity as they had to settle for a 26 yard Gomez field goal to regain the lead 9-7 with 1:48 left till the half.
Halftime
See our halftime analysis featuring Brandon Carroll from Rancho Solano High School in Scottsdale on the 602 Sports Talk Facebook page. Facebook.com/602sportstalk
Photo – Taylor Hansen
Third Quarter
Arizona State’s first possession didn’t amount to much as they had to punt it away after a single first down.
Texas Tech’s first possession of the second half saw two edge receivers injured on big hits by the Devils’ secondary. Terrance Carter Jr. sustained a knee injury that saw him leave the playing field on an EMS cart.
After their first long sustain drive, again the Sun Devils were stopped short, but a rouging the passer penalty breathed new life and a fresh set of down at the four yard line, Disaster almost struck when Jeff Sims entered the game and called his own number but coughed up the ball at the two yard line. Fortunately, ASU retained possession. Leavitt retuned to toss a 2 yard touchdown pass to Jordyn Tyson for their touchdown and a 16-7 lead at the 8:50 left in the quarter.
ASU got the ball back after some smothering defense and proceeded to drive the ball amd using a lot of clock as well.
Fourth Quarter
Again, the play calling was very suspect as the Sun Devils tried to run the ball with no effective blocking and stalled the drive resulting in another Gomez field goal. The lead was 19-7.
The Red Raiders had their best opportunity of the second half to get the deficit down to one possession. On a fourth and six from the eight yard, they called a quick pitch the short side of the field and the Devils defense was laying in wait and denied the first down and got the ball back with 11;24 left in the game.
With half the quarter gone, Texas Tech needed some offensive production. They got a hand on Kanyon Floyd’s punt that gave them possession at the ASU forty eight yard line. Converting a crucial first down at the twenty five yard line. Quarterback Hammond took it in from the one yard line to score, their first since midway in the second quarter, now 19-14 and 3:45 left on the clock.
ASU needed to get two first downs keep the clock moving and force the Red Raiders to use their two remaining timeouts. They failed miserable losing nine yards and then kicked a 30 yard punt to set Texas Tech up with an opportunity to steal the game.
The Red Raiders didn’t waste any time scoring on a 12 yard pass and the two point conversion to force ASU to have to score a touchdown with 2:00 minutes left.
Leavitt converted a fourth and two with a running pass to Tyson which got the ball to the Texas Tech twenty two yard line. Another pass to Tyson on the next play moved the ball to the fourteen yard line. Then, Tyson was held in the end zone which forced a penalty that put the ball on two yard line. Levitt ran up the middle for one yard. On second and goal, Raleek Brown punched it culminating a ten yard drive that left Texas Tech 32 seconds left.
Do or die for the Red Raiders from thier own thirty six yard line. Their first play netted 12 yards. With 7 seconds left, the ball was at the Arizona State forty yard line with time for two more plays. A quick out route got the ball to the Devils’ 28 yard line and :03 seconds left. On the final play. The last gasp play fell incomplete and the Devils snatched away the victory 26-22.
Wrap Up
Texas Tech’s offense was held in check for three and half quarters as the defensive line and secondary came to play after being embarrassed last week on the road.
The glaring issue on Arizona State’s offense was not being able to finish drives having to settle for three Gomez field goals. That will not continue to work in their remaining games.
Sam Leavitt’s return was just in time to hype of the team and set the tone for today’s game. Leavitt’s mobility looked remarkable considering he was in a boot for the better part of the last two weeks after injuring his leg.
Leavitt went 28-47 for 319 yards, 1 touchdown and no picks. Jordyn Tyson once again came through in the clutch, especially on the final game winning drive. He had 10 catches for 105 yards.
The Sun Devils magic at home over three excellent teams from Texas. It will be interesting to see where the pollsters place ASU on Monday.
Up Next
One more Texas team to play as the Cougars from Houston will play at Mountain America Stadium next Saturday at 5 p.m.
ASU sold out there fourth consecutive home game with an announced attendance of 54,177.
