The final game of the Dennis Erickson era at Arizona State got off to a somewhat appropriate start.
ASU won the toss and deferred, but the decision immediately proved costly. Doug Martin returned the opening kickoff 100-yards for the touchdown, putting the Sun Devils in a 7-0 hole just 14 seconds in the game.
The Devil offense was unable to generate anything on their opening drive, but thankfully their defense was able to hold back the Bronco offense on their first drive.
However, after ASU's next punt, the results were not as favorable. Kellen Moore capped an eight play drive with a nice touchdown toss to Tyler Shoemaker, his 16th scoring catch of the year to extend the lead to 14-0.
As expected, the Devils punted after another lame possession, but the defense stepped up to bail them out. Moore hit Shoemaker with a great pass, but it was bobbled into the hands of Clint Floyd for the interception. However, after some promising completions, the drive ended after Brock Osweiler missed a shotgun snap and took a huge loss on a third and three, forcing a fourth punt.
The Broncos shook off the last drive failure by once again marching methodically down the field for yet another touchdown, this time a two-yard pass to Matt Miller to extend the lead to 21-0. And in typical fashion, Vontaze Burfict was called for a personal foul penalty after the score.
The teams then traded punts, before ASU was able to generate a drive. A 10-play drive ended with a 32-yard Alex Garoutte field goal to cut the gap to 21-3. Some history was recorded on the drive when Osweiler threw his 484th pass of the season, setting the school record for throws in a season.
It wasn't long before that lone ASU positive was negated. The Broncos again demonstrated their mastery over the Sun Devil defense by marching down the field and had a first and goal. They then ran a wide receiver option to perfection, as Miller tossed to Kyle Efaw for a five yard touchdown and a 28-3 lead at the half.