Both offenses brought their A-game in the third quarter but UCLA's was noticeably sharper and the Bruins now lead Arizona State, 35-26, with 15 minutes left to play.
After the Bruins accidentally chose to kick instead of defer on the opening kickoff, the Sun Devils got the luxury of starting with the ball again to start a half. And Arizona State wouldn't waste the free possession either. QB Taylor Kelly found RB D.J. Foster for a 54-yard catch-and-run on the first snap and the Devils got three points froma a 31-yard Jon Mora field goal.
Clearly upset about the whole coin flip debacle and thirsty for revenge, the Bruins scored on their first play of the half as QB Brett Hundley found the speedy Damien Thigpen for a 65-yard touchdown.
The second act fireworks didn't stop on ASU's next possession as Foster continued to provide this offense a spark with a 19-yard reception and a 13-yard scamper. RB Marion Grice would then catch the defense napping on a screen pass, following his blocker with some impressive balancing for a 20-yard score. The two point conversion would be unsuccessful though with the Bruins playing some tight defense to hold onto their 28-26 lead.
UCLA extended that cushion when they got the ball as TE Joseph Fauria brought down a four-yard touchdown reception with an acrobatic grab.
The Devils' ended their next drive with a failed fourth down conversion but the Bruins were only able to move backwards after the turnover on downs. The quarter ended Grice getting a hard-earned one-yard run to successfully convert another fourth down attempt.