The Sun Devils ran for an impressive 192 yards last week against UCLA. “We’re excited about our match-up”. It’s still very early, but the Sun Devils control their own destiny to Santa Clara. However, tight end Kody Kohl was able to scoop it up and run 28 yards for the score.
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But he said it’s up to the players to maintain that focus and tune out the noise that’s so easy to let seep in. It’s a tribute to his character, being around the football and following the ball. The Sun Devils now have won two straight since an embarrassing performance against USC and seem to be finding an identity on both sides of the ball at just the right time.
ASU doubled their lead just minutes later, again thanks to Kohl. Shay Fields had five catches for 103 yards. Lindsay’s 51 yards rushing led Colorado.
That was as close as Colorado would get for the rest of the game, as White caught Bercovici’s 38-yard touchdown pass to top off a two-play, 47-second possession and give ASU a 24-7 lead. The junior speedster would go on to have a career night, totaling seven receptions for 144 yards and two scores.
The Sun Devils were led by the play of their senior quarterback Mike Bercovici who provided a career night for his team.
Still, the overall theme is that something has to improve and we believe we know what it is! “Tim’s a heck of a route runner, so it’s no surprise to see him in the endzone”. The defense looked alive from the outset, only giving up one big play on a unusual completion in the first quarter.
In this latest episode, hosts Bill Shirley, Jake Merrifield and I get to talking (a lot) about the Bruins not showing up in The Game That Was.
It did, but not in the way anyone intended. That bounce fell into White’s hands, who raced 45 yards for the touchdown. “You can’t rush it. You can’t try too hard”. He’s not a flashy player at all, but he gets the job done by always being around the ball and making excellent tackles.
The Sun Devils are now in the midst of a four-game stretch against their Pac-12 South rivals. Antonio Longino sacked him, forcing a fumble which was recovered by Ami Latu. “We just got to find a way to be better as a unit”. They disguise their pressure exceptionally well and have the athletes to break down almost every form of offensive protection. Though it should be noted that the Alaska schools traditionally perform slightly better than season expectations in these early season tournaments because they’re allowed to start practice a little earlier than other schools.
“Antonio Longino was phenomenal”, Graham said.
“When you’re young, you think about it”, Fairbairn said. Liufau connected with wide receiver Devin Ross on a 68-yard touchdown pass, which would be the only touchdown Liufau would provide. ASU was whistled for 18 fouls and UCLA was called for eight.
Bear in mind this is the annual Black Out game and the new ASU Hall of Famers – Derek Hagan, Ike Diogu, Agnes Kovacs, Joona Puhakka, Chez Reavie and Randy Lein – will be recognized at halftime. This Saturday’s game against the Utes will be the ultimate test, but back-to-back games against Washington State and Washington to open the month of November all of the sudden look much tougher than they did a few weeks ago. Linebacker Laiu Moeakiola also was held out in the second half.
“Honestly the first week it was a small complicated simply because I actually broke it and I was like oh man I don’t know how I’m going to play”, Calhoun told me this week.
UCLA’s football team has used two punters, with neither distinguishing himself. Each team in 1-1 in the division while Utah maintains first place with 1-0 conference record.
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It’s critical to the Buffs’ chances that they gain positive yardage on first down more often than not, preferably at least four yards. We’re excited about that and we’re exactly where we need to be. “We have to keep them out of the end zone and cause more turnovers”.
