The Golden Hurricane scored 10 points in all four quarters despite New Mexico building an early lead. Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans finished last week’s game with 321 yards after a 16-for-30 night.
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Now averaging 100 rushing yards a game on 5.36 yards per carry this season, it will be interesting to see if Richard continues to see his touches and workload increase as the season progresses. His high-effort contribution in stuffing the opposing running game trickled into his service in defending the Lobos’ passing game too, as he ended up collecting a game-sealing interception, a pass breakup and a sack. Nevertheless, it seems as though the two are beginning to make it work, and Bercovici’s play was the beneficiary against the Lobos. The Sun Devils also are expected to be without backup RBs De’Chavon Hayes (foot) and Kalen Ballage (illness), which could force converted WR D.J. Foster to be used in the backfield more.2.
On Saturday against New Mexico, the Sun Devils stopped making excuses and remembered to keep feeding a guy who was supposed to carry the offense all along. This wasn’t the confidence-reaffirming game the Sun Devils were probably hoping for heading into conference play, where they host USC next week and then travel to UCLA the week after.
New Mexico quarterbacks Lamar Jordan and Austin Apodaca nearly played an equal amount of snaps at Arizona State on Friday. This time around, they want to limit the scores to field goals and not touchdowns. However, neither of them were able to get UNM’s offense into a rhythm in a 34-10 loss.
Bercovici, along with the other leaders on the team who have been in Tempe for a while, has consistently embraced all of the passion and love that the students give his team.
Friday’s game was the second of a home-and-home series between the two teams.
“There’s really no consistency on the offensive line”, he said.
Part of the New Mexico defense’s problem was the inability of its offense to sustain drives, particularly in the second half. And while most people will be interested in the action on Frank Kush Field, we’re a little more excited about the latest addition to Tempe stadium’s dining options. Looking back, the Lobos are 1-12-1 against the Sun Devils. The lone victory came 81 years ago.
For the first two weeks of the season, the Arizona State offense bemoaned the loss of key running backs Kalen Ballage (mononucleosis) and De’Chavon Hayes (hamstring), lamenting the impact it was having on the Sun Devils’ game plans.
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The Sun Devils (2-1) needed it with about five starters out plus Ballage and Hayes.
