(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)
In what some were calling a “trap game” for Arizona State, the Sun Devils managed to stay safe and relatively dominated Colorado in a 48-23 win.
To open things up, ASU found itself on the lucky side of a fumble by sophomore running back Demario Richard as redshirt junior tight end Kody Kohl scooped up the ball and scampered into the end zone.
On the ensuing possession for Colorado, junior quarterback Sefo Liufau was hit as he threw and ASU freshman safety Kareem Orr dashed across the field for an easy interception, the second of his career. ASU would punch it in on a touchdown pass from redshirt senior quarterback Mike Bercovici to Kohl.
Colorado would answer back with a 16-yard run by sophomore running back Phillip Lindsay, but for the rest of the game, it was all ASU as it stretched its lead to 38-10 with 7:28 remaining in the third quarter.
Much of ASU’s domination stemmed from the amount of pressure the Sun Devils were able to put on Liufau. Colorado struggled to keep its quarterback upright throughout the game, and ASU racked up eight sacks as Liufau went 25-for-40 for 389 yards.
It was an ideal performance for ASU after its impressive win over No. 20 UCLA a week ago as nearly everything seemed to click for the Sun Devils. Bercovici had what was potentially his best statistical night as he went 20-for-31 for 260 yards and five touchdowns. Redshirt junior wide Tim White was on the receiving end of two of those touchdowns and averaged 20.6 yards on seven catches.
Player of the game: Antonio Longino
ASU’s pass rush absolutely rattled and disturbed Colorado’s offense, and that was highlighted by redshirt senior Devilbacker Antonio Longino, who abused Colorado’s tackles off the edge. Longino would finish with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble that was recovered by ASU.
Biggest concern: Preventing big passing plays
Despite a relatively stalwart performance defensively for ASU, Colorado was able to stretch the field and racked up three plays of at least 40 yards through the air, two of which led to a touchdown and the other directly resulting in six points for Colorado. Sophomore safety Armand Perry missed his fourth game of the season but was out of his walking boot this week in practice. Although Orr has done well, Perry’s experience and cover skills will be a nice asset to have back on the field if and when Perry eventually returns.
Unsung hero: Luck
ASU’s first touchdown came off Kody Kohl being in the right place at the right time, and White was on the better end of a deflected ball by Colorado junior cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon that led to a 45-yard touchdown for White. That’s not to say ASU won this game strictly on those two plays, but it allowed ASU to dictate the tempo and narrative of this game much more comfortably.
Stat of the night: Kody Kohl – 0 carries, 28 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown
It was strange, strange play. Kohl ended the game with more rushing yards than Richard due to the opportunistic moment to draw first blood in the game.
What’s next?
ASU heads to Salt Lake City to take on No. 5 Utah in what will be a pivotal matchup in giving the Sun Devils a chance to control its destiny in the Pac-12 South.
You can reach Zac Pacleb on Twitter @ZacPacleb or via email at zacpacleb@gmail.com
