Arizona State bounces back after a disappointing loss to Utah, beating top-ten ranked Texas Tech at home.
Arizona State stunned #7 Texas Tech 26-22 at home on Saturday afternoon. The Sundevils pulled of the win against what looks to be the hardest team on the schedule this season. After the bad loss at Utah, it is safe to say nobody saw Arizona State coming out the way they did.
Texas Tech was undefeated at 6-0 going into the matchup facing ASU. With the Sundevils being the underdog going into the game, it was surprising to see they had possession 15 minutes longer than the Red Raiders.
Arizona State's rushing game was stopped by the Raiders defense, averaging only two yards per carry. The deep ball for the Devils was another subject, throwing for a total of 319 yards, with a total of 394 total yards on offense.
ASU had 21 first downs to Texas Techs 16 first downs in the game. In close games we all know the turnover differential plays a big part. The way the Sundevils started the beginning of the first half, coming out and blocking a punt, recovering the block and positioning ASU for a field goal from Gomez to take the lead. Arizona State did not have one turnover the whole game, protecting the ball proved to be the difference in the game.
Texas Tech put the Sundevils in great field possession multiple times by not being able to convert multiple fourth down conversions, going one of three in the game.
Fans have to give credit to the Sundevils for how they handled clock management, continued to build on their lead by throwing the ball efficiently and time of possession. These points are what kept the Red Raiders from rallying late in the game.
Texas Tech being a team that has mostly played games being ahead, showed the playing from behind was not something they were prepared for going into this game.
All the credit to a beat up mentally Sundevils team that was coming off of a horrible loss going into this tough matchup, but overcame and moved forward keeping the season alive.