BCS rankings 2012: Sun Devils do not make initial BCS standings

Despite a strong start to the season, the 5-1 Arizona State Sun Devils did not make the first installment of this year's BCS standings.

College Football Rankings, Week 6: ASU rising in Coaches' Poll

Arizona State moved closer to being ranked in the USA Today Coaches' Poll this week, nearly doubling their vote total from a week ago.

NCAA Football Rankings, Week 6: Arizona, Arizona State receive votes

The Arizona State Sun Devils and the Arizona Wildcats each received votes in the latest Associated Press poll.

Arizona State vs. Cal 2012: Defense, Taylor Kelly draw praise

With a tough road test on tap against California, the Sun Devils' defense and quarterback Taylor Kelly proved up to the challenge.

Arizona State vs. California final: Sun Devils win 27-17

The Arizona State Sun Devils took care of the California Golden Bears on Saturday, winning 27-17 on a sunny Berkeley afternoon.

The Sun Devils moved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Pac-12 Conference with the win. After building a 17-7 lead late in the third quarter, Arizona State saw Cal bring the game within 3. Cal quarterback Zach Maynard hit Keenan Allen on a 10-yard touchdown pass with nine minutes left to play.

But the Sun Devils answered back with a quick scoring drive just three minutes later, as Taylor Kelly found Kevin Ozier for a 22-yard touchdown pass and a 27-17 lead.

The Bears committed a whopping 12 penalties for 119 yards, while Maynard completed just 9-28 passes in the loss that dropped them to 1-4.

Box Score Hero: QB Taylor Kelly, Arizona State. Kelly threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns while avoiding any interceptions.

Rankings Ramifications: Arizona State was receiving some votes last week, so the win will likely have them creep closer to the top 25.

But Did They Cover? The Sun Devils were favored by 2.5 points and did cover.

Next Week's Schedule: Arizona State will take a week off, while Cal prepares to host UCLA.

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This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.

ASU vs. Cal: Sun Devils leading by 10 after 3 quarters

The ASU Sun Devils lead the Cal Golden Bears after three quarters, 20-10, but they run the risk of allowing Cal to climb back into things after allowing a field goal late in the quarter. Defensive play is strong on both sides, but Taylor Kelly has been patient, avoiding mistakes or interceptions. As a result, ASU is getting the better of things.

Kelly is 17-for-34 through three quarters, picking up 158 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The team has spread out the rushing attack, with five different backs carrying the ball. Senior Cameron Marshall leads things for ASU, collecting 59 yards on 11 carries.

On defense, junior defensive tackle Will Sutton is a standout among the front seven, but all of them are working together to get pressure on Cal's Zach Maynard. Maynard has been sacked five times through three quarters.

ASU is in control in Berkley. If they can keep it up for 15 more minutes, they're looking at a 4-1 start to the season.

ASU vs. California score update: Devils lead 17-7 at the half

The Arizona State Sun Devils are trying to pick up a win over the California Bears on the road for the first time since 1997. After one half of play, they are at least on the right track. The Devils picked up a touchdown on their second drive of the game and another on their last drive of the half and go into the half with a 17-7 lead.

On their second drive of the game, ASU drove 67 yards down the field in nine plays and quarterback Taylor Kelly found tight end Darwin Rogers for a one-yard touchdown. It was Rogers' first career catch and score.

California tied the game on a very quick drive -- three plays for 76 yards. Quarterback Zach Maynard completed a pass to Keenan Allen for 44 yards and then two plays later running back Isi Sofele ran the ball 24 yards for a touchdown.

ASU would kick a field goal in the second quarter to make it 10-7, but gave themselves momentum at teh end of the half.

Sofele fumbled the ball at Cal's 37-yard line and ASU cornerback Alden Darby recovered the ball. Nine plays later, Kelly found Kevin Ozier in the end zone to make the score 17-7.

In the half, Kelly was 14/25 for 121 yards and two scores. He was not intercepted. Cameron Marshall leads the team with 30 yards rushing and thight end Chris Coyle has four catches for 37 yards.

California is led by Isi Sofele's 83 yards rushing on 12 carries. Quarterback Zach Maynard is only 3/8 for 63 yards.

Arizona State Vs. Cal: 5 Keys To A Sun Devil Victory

Arizona State looks to get their first victory in Berkeley since 1997. Here is what the Sun Devils must do if they want to improve to 4-1.

ASU Interview writeup: Taylor Kelly focused on Cal

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly isn't taking any opponent lightly, especially not a 1-3 California Golden Bears team looking to make up for disappointing losses over the course of the young 2012 season.

ASU will face Cal on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Northern California, and our friends over at House of Sparky caught up with the sophomore signal caller with respect to the matchup and a few other interesting tidbits.

When asked about the significance of being winless at Cal since 1997, Kelly replied, "We got to come out with a great focus this week and we had a good practice so far; stay focused on the road and go get this win." Kelly has made a living staying calm under duress, and it shows in his production in 2012. He ranks first in passer rating in the Pac-12 and ninth in the nation.

He has thrown for 1,000 yards, six touchdown passes, two interceptions and has has averaged 4.5 yards per carry through four games.

Arizona State Vs. California: Sun Devils look to conquer road demons

The Arizona State Sun Devils haven't won on the road against the California Golden Bears since 1997. This year however, the Sun Devils have burst out of the gates with a 3-1 record while the Bears have languished with a 1-3 record.

Although head coach Todd Graham is trying not to focus on the historical significance of a possible win, it sits on a few of his player's minds.

"It'd be huge, we haven't beaten those guys in a while and I think it's going to help us stay in the driver's seat right now for the Pac-12 South," senior offensive lineman Evan Finkenberg said.

House of Sparky calls this one of the biggest games of the season, so far. The Sun Devils have struggled on the road over their last 23 games, going a mere 5-18. While the record suggests otherwise, the Bears are a talented team on paper. Their offense seems to be better than their record suggests. They average 411 yards and 27 points per game and are always capable of making a big play.

"They've got so many players at running back and receiver that can take the ball to the house, and I don't think we've played against anybody that has that to this point," coach Graham said.

The Sun Devils will counter with defensive tackle Will Sutton, who was just recently added to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List on Thursday. The yearly honor is awarded to the top defensive player in college football. Sutton anchors the Sun Devils defense, with 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year so far.

Arizona State vs. Cal Preview: Why Does History Have To Be So Intimidating?

If you haven't heard yet, ASU hasn't won at in the bay since 1997. But there's more to worry about than just history itself.

Arizona State vs. California: Taylor Kelly handles the pressure

The afterthought in the Arizona State Sun Devils' three-man quarterback competition leading into this season, Taylor Kelly didn't blink in keeping his effort and mindset focused. And despite the size of Michael Eubank and Mike Bercovici's arm, it was Kelly who coach Todd Graham named the replacement for Brock Osweiler.

Kelly's background has much to do with the perseverance, according to The Associated Press:

"That guy is a winner. How he conducts himself, how he carries himself, he's a winner. He's just got that 'it factor.' You can look him in the eye on game day and see it."

Growing up in Idaho had much to do with that. Kelly spent much time on his grandparents' ranch, where his work ethic and ability to diagnose then solve problems on the fly developed.

He's used that experience to lead the Pac-12 in quarterback efficiency. Kelly's rating of 182.2 is tops, and his 72 percent accuracy bodes well for a guy who's quickly become known for his ability to make plays when things break down.

The 6'1 sophomore has 1,000 passing yards this season with six touchdown and two interceptions.

Chris Young goes from junior college to one of ASU's best weapons

The addition of Chris Young to the Arizona State Sun Devils didn't get much hoopla, but the transfer from Arizona Western College is making noise through four games as a starting spur, a hybrid linebacker and safety in Todd Graham's defense.

House of Sparky caught up with the 6'2, 220 pounder, who has 32 tackles on the year and 8.5 tackles for loss, which is second on the Pac-12. Young says that once he's grasped the spur position, a spot where players thrive by roaming the field, it's all come together for him.

"You just have to be able to make plays when given the opportunity. It's a pretty physical and fun position. Once you get the hang of it, you just really enjoy playing it."

Of course, playing with the talent and passion of standouts like linebacker Brandon McGee and defensive tackle Will Sutton has made things easier for the junior transfer.

With the California Golden Bears on deck, Young said the key for the defense will be to pursue the ball while staying with the correct assignments on the field.

Sun Devils can break road woes with win at Cal

The Arizona State Sun Devils will have an opportunity to rid the program of its recent road struggles when Todd Graham's team plays in Berkeley, Calif., this Saturday. House Of Sparky's Brad Denny points out that ASU's road record has been poor going back a couple seasons. The Sun Devils are 5-18 in their last 23 road contests.

Furthermore, the California Golden Bears have the Sun Devils' number in recent years, winning four in a row and eight of the last nine meetings between the two teams.

Put those two problems together, and ASU hasn't won at Cal since 1997.

The opportunity for the Sun Devils to shed the road woes and those against the Golden Bears shouldn't be overlooked, especially with a 1-0 conference mark that puts them at the lead of a Pac-12 South where even the best team, USC, already has a loss on its record. With a surprising victory against Washington State this past week, Colorado is the only other team that stands atop the South Division this early into the conference schedule.

Arizona State Vs. California: Will Sutton Opening Eyes

Arizona State defensive lineman Will Sutton didn't put in a box score that stood out, but his performance against the Utah Utes in a 37-7 victory wasn't anything but spectacular. Sutton was credited with four tackles, one tackle for loss and half a sack, but he often found himself making solid penetration into the backfield against the Utes.

For the season, he is in the top 10 in NCAA sacks (3.5) and tackles for loss. ASU head coach Todd Graham told The Arizona Republic that it's just the beginning for the junior.

"I can't imagine there's a defensive tackle in the country that has played better than Will Sutton has," Graham said at Monday's weekly news conference. "He's been pretty good."

Sutton is second on the Sun Devils with 26 total tackles through four games this season. He also has two pass breakups. And it's likely that the California Golden Bears will be finding a way to keep him out of the backfield and away from quarterback Zach Maynard this week.

Check out House Of Sparky for more on the Arizona State Sun Devils or head over to California Golden Blogs for more on the Cal Bears.

Arizona State Vs. California Odds: Despite Losing Record, Bears Favored By Two

Cal may have a 1-3 record, but they are favored by two over the 3-1 Arizona State Sun Devils.