Looking for a third consecutive victory, the ASU football team was able to hold on and pick up a 31-28 victory against UCLA on the Sun Devils' senior day.
On the first drive of the game, ASU got its goose egg off the scoreboard quickly as they picked up a 34-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Brandon Ruiz.
However, UCLA would respond with a touchdown drive as they made the score 7-3 courtesy of a two-yard touchdown run from redshirt junior running back Joshua Kelley.
After both of the opening drives, both teams traded punches in a first half that saw its fair share of momentum shifts. ASU redshirt senior quarterback Manny Wilkins had a rushing and passing touchdown in the first half, however, the one blemish of the veteran quarterback resulted in a Bruins touchdown as Wilkins threw an interception for a pick-six.
UCLA sophomore defensive back Darnay Holmes jumped a pass on a slant route, and he proceeded to return it into the end zone to give the Bruins a 14-10 lead. Wilkins would bounce back quickly though, as he then led a touchdown drive that was capped off by a five yard touchdown pass to redshirt junior running back Nick Ralston to end the half.
In the second half, ASU's offense continued to move the ball, and sophomore running back Eno Benjamin was able to punch in a touchdown from one yard out.
The game would be cut down to a 24-21 lead for ASU after a missed field goal, but Wilkins would then lead a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that was capped off by a one yard quarterback sneak to put the Sun Devils up 31-21.
The game looked to be in hand with the clock going against the Bruins, but UCLA wouldn't go down without a fight. UCLA marched down the field and graduate transfer quarterback Wilton Speight was able to find redshirt junior tight end Caleb Wilson for a 10-yard touchdown.
After recovering an onside kick, ASU went three and out, and the Bruins had a chance to either tie or win the game with 1:41 remaining in the game.
However, UCLA would beat themselves with some untimely penalties and miscues on its final drive, and ASU would hold on for its third straight win.
Reach the reporter at atbell1@asu.edu or follow @AndrewBell7 on Twitter.
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