Sophomore place kicker Zane Gonzalez attempts a field goal in the 2nd half of the game against Utah on Nov. 1, 2014. ASU defeated Utah in overtime 19-16. (Photo by Andrew Ybanez)Valedictorian: Sophomore kicker Zane Gonzalez
Coach Todd Graham said that Saturday's game would be one dominated by the special teams, and he was right. Gonzalez made three of his four field goal attempts, including the game-winner in overtime. The offense was able to move the ball enough, but Gonzalez was the one putting up the points.
The ASU offense was able to move the ball, but left a lot of points on the field thanks to an inability to punch it into the end zone consistently. Redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly was inconsistent, going 18 of 32 for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Sun Devils were better on the ground as freshman Demario Richard ran for 116 yards and junior DJ Foster had 81 total yards.
For the third straight game, the defense led the Sun Devils to victory. ASU held junior quarterback Travis Wilson to just 57 yards through the air on 22 attempts. Junior running back Devontae Booker ran through the defense for 146 yards, but ASU made stops on him when it needed to. Redshirt junior safety Jordan Simone led the way with 13 tackles and ASU sacked Wilson three times.
In a game where field position was crucial, the Sun Devils won the battle. Gonzalez won the game with his leg, but the legs of Kelly and sophomore punter Matt Haack were just as important. Three of ASU's six punts landed inside the 20-yard line, making the Utes drive the length of the field, which they could not do consistently.
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @Tonis_The_Tiger
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