Arizona State ends 2014 home schedule with 52-31 victory over Cougars

Team heads to Tucson to play in Territorial Cup game Friday

Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly acknowledges fans in the student section during senior recognition prior to Saturday’s game against Washington State.

  Arizona State weathered a rocky start to it’s PAC-12 conference game against the Washington State Cougars on Saturday and rebounded from a 21-7 deficit to earn a 52-31 victory.

  It appeared the Devils came out flat following last week’s disappointing loss to Oregon State—A lost that dashed any hopes Arizona State had of earning one of the coveted top 4 playoff spots in the NCAA football championship playoffs.

  Tough play by the defense that earned five turnovers that resulted in 35 offensive points.  Arizona State intercepted Cougar quarterback Luke Falk four times and recovered on fumble.

Add captionWashington State quarterback Luke Falk hits the deck after being sacked for an 11-yard loss by Arizona State defensive lineman Marcus Hardison.

  Arizona State Senior Quarterback Taylor Kelly, who endured several rounds of boos from the crowd during a lackluster first half, went 15-of 25  for 232 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown strike to Cameron Smith.

  Arizona State rallied at the end of the first half and scored two touchdowns during the last 3:12 of the half to tie the game at 21.  A field goal by the Cougars as time expired in the first half gave Washington State a 24-21 lead at half, but the momentum appeared to have already shifted in Arizona State’s direction.

  Senior running back D.J. Foster lead the Sun Devils in rushing, gaining 96 yard on 15 carries. He scored all three rushing touchdowns for Arizona State.

  Damrious Randall led Arizona State on defense with 11 total tackles during the game, followed by Laiu Moeakiola who had 8 tackles.

  One of the defensive highlights of the game was a fumble recovery and return by Arizona State linebacker Viliami Latu. After recovering the ball Latu lumbered 51-yards down the Washington State sideline to the 18-yard line. Foster scored and 18-yard rushing touchdown on the next play.

  Arizona State’s final game of the season comes Friday as the Devils take on Arizona in the annual Territorial Cup game.

  The PAC-12 South championship could be on the line during the Territorial Cup game. Arizona State, Arizona and UCLA all have an opportunity to win the South crown. If UCLA loses to Stanford University on Friday, the winner of the Arizona State-Arizona game will win the South and play Oregon for the PAC-12 Championship.