Senior defensive lineman Marcus Hardison, sophomore linebacker Viliami Latu and redshirt junior linebacker Antonio Longino celebrate after they stop Notre Dame's offensive run at a home game on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. ASU won against Notre Dame 55-31. (Photo by Alexis Macklin)Valedictorian: Senior defensive end Marcus Hardison.
In his final game at Sun Devil Stadium, Hardison made the most of the stage. An unsung hero throughout the season, he sacked redshirt freshman quarterback Luke Falk twice, bringing his season total to 10, intercepted his second pass of the season and forced his third fumble. Hardison and his unit allowed just seven points in the second half by pressuring Falk and making him make bad decisions.
After an extremely sluggish start and just 22 yards in the first quarter, the offense was able to right the ship. Without redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong due to a concussion, ASU needed others to step up, and they did. Redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly completed 15 of 25 pass attempts for 232 yards and four touchdowns, two to sophomore wide receiver Cam Smith. Junior running back DJ Foster found the end zone three times, rushing for 96 yards on 15 carries. The offense cashed in on its opportunities, scoring after every takeaway to gain control.
A week after giving away a lead on the road, some home cooking was exactly what the doctor ordered for ASU's defense. The group recorded six sacks and took the ball away from the Cougars's offense five times, resulting in 35 points. Headed by Hardison, the defense put pressure on Falk all afternoon, resulting in bad throws and missed opportunities. They allowed over 600 passing yards, which needs to be cleaned up, but they stepped up when it was needed and did not allow Washington State to score in the second half until less than a minute remained in the game.
Another flawless effort by the Sun Devils special teams. Sophomore kicker Zane Gonzalez hit every one of his extra point attempts and his one field goal attempt, solidifying his place near the top of the list of collegiate kickers. Sophomore punter Matt Haack averaged 53.5 yards per punt, including a boomer 65-yarder, helping ASU win the field position battle all day long. Redshirt senior kicker Alex Garoutte had six of his nine kickoffs go for touchbacks, preventing big returns.
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @Tonis_The_Tiger
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