With starting quarterback Andrew Walter out for shoulder surgery and tailback Hakim Hill off the team, a shuffled Sun Devil squad defeated Purdue 27-23 during today's showdown in the Vitalis Sun Bowl.
The game started at noon, mountain time, in El Paso. Check out the Web Devil for updates on the score and more, as well as complete post-game coverage.
Final Score
With a little more than a minute left in the game, Purdue scored a touchdown to bring the score to 23-16. But ASU responded immediately with an improbable touchdown with 43 seconds left on the clock, and went on to win the game.
Halftime Report
Defense was tight in the first half, and ASU was up 3-2.
Good signs
No. 21 ASU finished the regular season with only three losses, one of its best seasons since Jake Plummer wore maroon and gold. ASU head coach Dirk Koetter also announced on Thursday the hiring of Bill Miller from Florida as ASU's new defensive coordinator.
Bad omens
ASU's humiliating end-of-season loss to UA could either spell trouble for ASU, or spark the team to work harder for a win. One thing is for sure: That loss took ASU out of the running for the Holiday Bowl. Plus, ASU must overcome a three-bowl-game losing streak since 1997.
Personnel problems
ASU is lacking some of its star players. Tailback Hakim Hill was asked to leave the team due to the violation of team rules. Additionally, backup quarterback Sam Keller will start for the first time in his career, due to quarterback Andrew Walter's shoulder surgery. Keller has shown promise throughout the season, but no one can say for sure how he will react to the pressure of the game. Starting safety Riccardo Stewart also will miss the game for shoulder surgery.
And by the way...
Back at home, Tempe officials released a statement on Thursday that inflatable dams will be deflated for the first time ever. Dams have never been so, er, dam exciting. It turns out that Tempe Town Lake will be flooded with runoff from local lakes. The lake promises to beat out the annual Fiesta Bowl block party spectacle of a chip falling into a can of what appears to be salsa. Just be safe, folks, and don't get too close. This odd occurrence could be just the thing to inspire the Sun Devils break their unfortunate streak. Or not. Only time will tell.
The Edge
The game could truly go either way, due to ASU's dearth of starting players. The Boilermakers pulled off some big wins this season, including victories over Ohio State and Indiana, but they finished the season at 7-4. ASU holds a superior record in a tough conference, but the Sun Devils will be a whole different team without Walter and Hill. Still, ASU holds the reigns if the Sun Devils can channel their anger at the loss to the Wildcats into a strong performance in El Paso.
Reach the editor at nicole.saidi@asu.edu.
