A head-scratching interception from Taylor Kelly has given UCLA the edge over Arizona State at halftime as the Bruins now lead 21-17. Kelly has gone 9-of-15 with 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the first 30 minutes of action while RB D.J. Foster has looked simply explosive with 70 total yards on 11 touches.
The Sun Devils started slow with a three-and-out on their opening drive but a misread punt from UCLA's Steven Manfro proved to be the spark they needed. The Devils recovered the fumble and Taylor Kelly didn't waste it the takeaway, finding Kevin Ozier in space for a seven-yard touchdown.
That momentum continued to ASU's next possession with Marion Grice finding pay dirt from two-yards out to give the Devils a quick 14-0 lead.
Apparently that was the wake up call the Bruins needed though because their next two drives were steady yet effective.
RB Johnathan Franklin capped off a 12-play drive on their next possession with a three-yard rushing touchdown to get UCLA on the board. The Bruins didn't flinch after Josh Hubner booted a career-high 68-yard punt on their next go around either. Assisted by a roughing the passer call on Junior Onyeali, QB Brett Hundley found Devin Fuller for a 15-yard touchdown on a middle post to put the finishing touches on a 98-yard drive.
Arizona State recaptured the lead with a 36-yard field goal from new kicker Jon Mora to start the second quarter. But it was a missed opportunity that defined the score as a 11-yard James Morrison touchdown reception was called back because of a Brice Schwab hold.
After trading some punts, CB Deveron Carr made a huge interception off a UCLA flea flicker for the first turnover of the game. But two possessions later, Taylor Kelly made an ill-advised throw from his own endzone as he tried to avoid a safety. That floater was easily intercepted by Dalton Hilliard with a little over a minute left in the half and Franklin then cradled the rock in from five yards away to give UCLA a 21-17 halftime lead.
Luckily, since UCLA accidentally elected to kick instead of defer on the opening kickoff, the Devils will be getting to ball again to start the second half after also receiving the opening kickoff.