ASU Football: Sun Devils fall into trap vs. Oregon State

(Photo: Sun Devil Athletics)

No. 6 Arizona State needed a comeback on Saturday night, and the Sun Devils couldn’t find it, as hopes of a national championship died on Saturday night with a loss at the hands of the Oregon State Beavers in Corvallis, Ore. with a 35-27 loss.

The same narrative that was a weekly trend for the Sun Devils happened again, as a strong first half was erased by a poor beginning to the second half. Except this time, Taylor Kelly didn’t come to the rescue, and instead of a late, game-winning drive, the senior tossed an interception that was returned for a touchdown and was sacked on fourth down on the subsequent drive.

It was Oregon State that jumped out to the start in the early going, as touchdown runs of 78 and 66 yards for Storm Woods and Terron Ward, respectively, dropped ASU into a 14-3 hole. However, the team recovered though with three consecutive touchdowns to take a 10-point lead to halftime.

After watching that lead slowly disappear, the ASU offense was unable to recover and took a loss on the chin.

Player of the game: Marcus Hardison

Hardison was my player of the game against Notre Dame a week ago, and he earns the distinction again with his two-sack performance against the Beavers. No play was more important than his second-quarter sack of Sean Mannion that resulted in a fumble recovered by Antonio Longino and returned for a touchdown. Hardison has been the most valuable player for ASU on either side of the ball for at least a month and he continued that dominant play on Saturday.

Biggest concern: Second-half lulls

Just as Hardison was my player of the game for two straight weeks, second-half lulls are the biggest concern for another week as well. The Sun Devils didn’t dominate the first half, but a 10-point lead shouldn’t disappear, especially against lesser competition like Oregon State. Graham talked about it as not being an issue, but it clearly was and is. ASU was a championship contender that consistently looked like a mediocre team to begin second halves and it finally proved to be a fatal flaw.

Unsung hero: James Johnson

The loss of Jordan Simone was highlighted consistently on Saturday night, especially as the momentum shifted in favor of the Beavers. That is unfair to James Johnson though, as the redshirt freshman shouldn’t be blamed for the shift. He played well in Simone’s absence and filled in admirably under difficult circumstances. Perhaps “hero” is too high a distinction, but a tip of the cap is deserved.

Stat of the game: 240 yards rushing

Oregon State busted off a pair of big runs early and ran the ball right down the throat of the ASU defense in the second half on drives that sunk ASU. The offense struggled, but it was smash-mouth football by the Beavers that proved most costly.

What’s next?

The last home game of the year is upcoming for ASU when the Washington State Cougars travel to Sun Devil Stadium next Saturday. It’s another game that the Sun Devils should win with ease, but as evidenced against Oregon State, that’s not something that should ever be taken for granted.

You can reach Adam Stites on Twitter @AdamStitesASU or by email arstites@asu.edu

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