(Photo: ASU Athletics)
It wasn’t pretty, and often it was boring, but the Arizona State Sun Devils found a way to win on Saturday night, defeating Oregon State 30-17.
The Devils laid an egg at home for the first time all season, but the defense made enough plays and the offense was just good enough. It was the type of game that could derail a really good season, but instead of rolling over and playing dead while the Beavers made a second-half rally, the Sun Devils buckled down and got a victory.
It Was Over When: Robert Nelson intercepted a Sean Mannion pass and returned it 23 yards for the touchdown with 5:08 to play in the fourth quarter to give the Sun Devils a 30-10 lead. Nelson jumped a curl route and sprinted into the north end zone, much to the delight of the Arizona State fans who actually stayed for the end of a surprisingly close contest. It was Nelson’s first career pick-six.
Player of the Game: Robert Nelson. The Sun Devils’ field corner played his best game of the season, with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Arizona State scored off of all three of his turnovers. He now has five interceptions in the last five games. Nelson also helped contribute to a passing defense that shut down one of the best attacks in the country.
Biggest Concern: This is twofold: Taylor Kelly and the crowd. Kelly had another poop performance, throwing two ugly interceptions, both of which should’ve been big completions. He looked uncomfortable all night and never settled in. That will have to change if Arizona State wants to compete with UCLA next weekend. The crowd is something that won’t matter next week, but come on Sun Devil fans. It’s time to wake up and support your team. This team is good, and it’s fun to watch. But the stadium was half-empty at halftime, the student section was small and quiet and in general the atmosphere was pretty pathetic.
Unsung Hero: Jaelen Strong. The Sun Devils leading receiver finally looked like he was back to 100 percent, and it showed early. Strong made big catch after big catch on each of the teams three offensive scoring drives. Strong didn’t score, mainly because Kelly struggled, but when the Sun Devils needed that big play in the passing attack, Strong was the one to make it. He finished the game with 7 catches for 106 yards.
Stat of the Game: 5. The Sun Devils forced five turnovers. Mannion threw four interceptions, after entering this week with just six on the season. Oregon State’s signal-caller has now thrown seven interceptions in his last eight quarters. Arizona State also got a gift when receiver Brandin Cooks muffed a punt and the Sun Devils jumped on it in the second quarter.
What’s Next: Arizona State better put on its big boy pants, because they travel to Los Angeles to battle UCLA. The game is essentially the Pac-12 South championship game for the Devils. UCLA has a three-headed monster in quarterback Brett Hundley, All-American linebacker Anthony Barr and freshman super utility player Myles Jack. Arizona State is coming off two years of frustrating, heartbreaking losses to the Bruins, so this one should feel like a revenge game, too.
