After an efficient first quarter in which ASU ran out to a 14-0 lead, the Devils wasted little time in opening the second with a bang.
Brock Osweiler hit Aaron Plfugrad on a deep post on the first play for a 31-yard touchdown to extend the ASU lead to 21-0.
With ASU's pass rush making life miserable for UC Davis quarterback Randy Wright, the Aggies utilized quick passes for pick up a few first downs out to midfield before their drive fizzled out.
The ensuing ASU drive started out well, as utility player extraordinaire Jamal Miles took a handoff 36 yards, but an eight yard reception by Gerrell Robinson, an incomplete swing pass and run for no gain brought up a fourth down. Instead of giving Alex Garoutte a field goal chance from 42 yards, ASU went for it, but turned it over on downs after a dropped swing pass to Kyle Middlebrooks.
A few short passes netted the Aggies a pair of first downs, but Junior Onyeali destroyed an attempted reverse to derail the drive, forcing a punt that resulted in a touchback.
The turnover demon that haunting the Sun Devils a season ago reared it's ugly head on the next ASU drive. After a 27 yard Marshall reception put them in Aggie territory, Rashad Ross fumbled on his first career reception and the Aggies recovered at their own 23.
The suffocating ASU defense forced the sixth Aggie punt.
A personal foul penalty on Andrew Smapson set up a 3rd and 19, but an 18 yard Osweiler scramble set up a 4th and short that Marshall converted with a seven yard run. With :06 left, Alex Garoutte shook off a shaky fall camp by connecting on a 49-yard field goal to send the Devils into halftime up 24-0.