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Arizona State vs. USC: Shelly Lyons Named Pac-12 Defensive Player Of Week

The Arizona St. Sun Devils defense turned it up a notch against the USC Trojans offense after letting USC recapture the lead early in the third quarter. ASU forced three turnovers on three consecutive USC drive, with two critical fumbles by Marc Tyler and Matt Barkley in ASU territory. The Sun Devils ended up garnering 14 points off those turnovers en route to a 43-22 victory.

There were multiple heroes for the Devils. Clint Floyd racked up eight tackles. Colin Parker came up with seven, including a crucial forced fumble. Deveron Carr racked up six tackles, a fumble recovery, and a crucial pass breakup of Robert Woods in the end zone. Vontaze Burfict had five tackles and a crucial interception in the red zone. Bo Moos registered a sack, and Greg Smith put up a sack and the other forced fumble.

Only one player can win the award though. This week it went to Shelly Lyons, who punctuated Saturday night's victory with a interception return for a touchdown.  Matt Barkley was pressured off the right edge, tried to step up to his right, lost proper footwork, and heaved one up for someone to take. That player happened to be Lyons, who hauled that throw in and took it 42 yards to the house.

(via JediASU)

Lyons also racked up four tackles, one for a loss. But it was truly a team effort by the ASU defense in stopping USC on Saturday night.

To talk up Sun Devils football, head to House of Sparky.