SB Nation Arizona - ASU Vs. Utah: Sun Devils Defeat Utes 35-14https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2011-10-09T08:44:12-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22313232011-10-09T08:44:12-07:002011-10-09T08:44:12-07:00ASU Football Controls Destiny In Pac-12 South, Championship Game In Sight
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<p>Things couldn't be much better in Tempe. The Sun Devils are 5-1, their lone misstep coming in a non-conference game against the undefeated <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini" class="sbn-auto-link">Illinois Fighting Illini</a>. At 3-0 in Pac-12 play, ASU dominates the Pac-12 South, a division filled with bottom-feeders and bowl-ineligible squads.</p>↵<p>Colorado, Utah and Arizona have yet to win a game in conference play, combining for a miserable 0-9 record against Pac-12 opponents. UCLA struggled against a much-improved Washington State team; the only real competition in the South, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a>, couldn't play in the Pac-12 Championship Game even if they won the division.</p>↵<p>The Sun Devils are benefactors of playing in a very underwhelming division in 2011. Stanford, Oregon and Washington all have excellent football teams, but they all take residence in the North.</p>↵<p>No Sun Devil will argue with the results in 2011, considering the remainder of the schedule is very favorable for ASU. After facing Oregon (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12) in a huge game on ESPN at 7:15 p.m. PST next Saturday, the Devils face teams with a combined 11-17 record.</p>↵<p>It's entirely possible that the Sun Devils could finish the season 10-2, or even better. We need to take it one week at a time, but the potential for greatness is there if the team can execute on their ambitions.</p>↵
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/9/2478400/asu-football-pac-12-south-division-title-contenders-oregonCory Williams2011-10-08T17:28:46-07:002011-10-08T17:28:46-07:00ASU Vs. Utah: Ballhawking Defense, 5 Turnovers Key 35-14 Victory Over Utes
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<p>After forcing but a single turnover in their first two games, Arizona States injury-depleted defense has more than made up for their slow start.</p>
<p>They forced Utah into five turnovers during Saturday's 35-14 victory, their second straight game with five takeaways. In their last four games, the Sun Devil defense has 17 takeaways.</p>
<p>Much like their last road game against Illinois, the Sun Devils struggled early, fell behind 7-0 and then rallied to force a stalemate that lasted most of the first half. Part of that struggle included Sun Devil Alden Darby's third interception in the last two games on the first play of the second quarter.</p>
<p>However, Utah looked to break that monotony late in the half as they had the ball at the ASU 16 yard line. Utah's John Hays, making his first career start at the FBS level, lofted a pass into the end zone that was intercepted by safety <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112761/eddie-elder" class="sbn-auto-link">Eddie Elder</a> to thwart the Utes' threat. Elder, who dropped three easy interceptions a week ago, secured a halftime lead for the Devils.</p>
<p>Echoing the events of the USC game, Utah stormed back on the opening drive of the second half to take a lead. After they appeared stopped, the Utes faked a punt then used a flea-flicker to get inside the ASU five yard line, where they quickly scored the go ahead touchdown.</p>
<p>An ASU field goal on the ensuing possession cut the lead to 14-13, but the defense was just about to unleash their wrath on Utah.</p>
<p>On the first play of Utah's next possession, linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35248/shelly-lyons" class="sbn-auto-link">Shelly Lyons</a> stripped running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136397/john-white-iv" class="sbn-auto-link">John White IV</a>, ASU recovered and soon <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77503/brock-osweiler" class="sbn-auto-link">Brock Osweiler</a> found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112760/mike-willie" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Willie</a> for a 14-yard touchdown to retake the lead.</p>
<p>The next Utah drive met the same fate. Hays' throw on the first play was picked off by safety <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35235/clint-floyd" class="sbn-auto-link">Clint Floyd</a>, and after a lumbering 25-yard run by Osweiler, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77506/cameron-marshall" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Marshall</a> punched in an uncontested touchdown run for pad the Devils' lead to 28-14.</p>
<p>The turnover well was next yet dry, as the next Utah drive ended with another fumble, this time recovered by Lyons.</p>
<p>As good teams do, the Sun Devils made their opponents pay for their ball control sins.</p>
<p>The ensuing 10-play drive was capped with another Osweiler to Willie connection, this time from 12-yards to extend the score to the eventual final score of 35-14.</p>
<p>ASU (5-1, 3-0 in the Pac-12) now travels for the toughest game of the season at Autzen Stadium to face the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks" class="sbn-auto-link">Oregon Ducks</a> (4-1, 2-0) in a possible conference title game preview. With the Ducks' star running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james" class="sbn-auto-link">LaMichael James</a> out for the game, another multi-turnover effort from the ASU defense could key another huge road win.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/8/2477939/asu-vs-utah-ballhawking-defense-5-turnovers-keys-35-14-victory-overBrad Denny2011-10-08T17:12:07-07:002011-10-08T17:12:07-07:00ASU vs. Utah Final Score: Sun Devils Force Turnovers, Defeat Utes 35-14
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<p>ASU got off to a slow start against Utah on Saturday afternoon, as the Utes took a 14-10 lead in the third quarter. Up to that point, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77503/brock-osweiler" class="sbn-auto-link">Brock Osweiler</a> looked hesitant, declining to go for the big play and relying too much on the swing passes (which Utah covered quite well).</p>
<p>A slew of Utah turnover turned the tide, as the Sun Devils scored 25 points in the second half to key a 35-14 rout of the Utes in Salt Lake City.</p>
<p>Utah quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136394/jon-hays" class="sbn-auto-link">Jon Hays</a> threw three interceptions and the Utes had five total turnovers as inconsistent play finally got the best of the home team. The ASU defense really picked up the offense today, showing Osweiler and company that they can perform at a high level in an intimidating venue.</p>
<p>The confidence and swagger of Arizona State was evident as the turnovers piled up. The penalty count was high - 17 penalties between the two teams, adding up to 148 total yards.</p>
<p>Osweiler completed 25 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Senior wideout <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35231/gerell-robinson" class="sbn-auto-link">Gerell Robinson</a> had a banner day, catching seven passes for 101 yards. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112760/mike-willie" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Willie</a> caught two touchdown passes, with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77506/cameron-marshall" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Marshall</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77508/jamal-miles" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamal Miles</a> also hitting paydirt.</p>
<p>With the win, Arizona State improves to 5-1, taking a commanding 3-0 Pac-12 record and leading the South division by a wide margin. It is far too early to call a winner in the South, but the Sun Devils would have to misstep horribly to lose this division. The Sun Devils now control their own destiny, heading to Oregon next Saturday in a game that will have championship-level implications.</p>
<p>After getting a big road win today and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james" class="sbn-auto-link">LaMichael James</a> unlikely to play, the Devils have a real chance to defeat the Fighting Ducks.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Sun Devils, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://houseofsparky.com">House Of Sparky</a>.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/8/2477929/arizona-state-utah-final-score-brock-osweiler-devils-victoryCory Williams2011-10-08T15:06:19-07:002011-10-08T15:06:19-07:00ASU Vs. Utah: Ute Turnovers Result In 28-14 Lead For Sun Devils
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<p>The second half began with Utah receiving the ball and looking to make amends for their lost opportunity at the end of the second quarter.</p>
<p>They seemed to strike a major blow when blown coverage by ASU's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112765/alden-darby">Alden Darby</a> resulted in a 74-yard gain inside the Devils' five, but a holding penalty on tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114729/john-cullen">John Cullen</a> negated the play and derailed the drive.</p>
<p>Or so it seemed.</p>
<p>A gutsy fake punt deep in their own territory gained 14 and kept the drive alive. A flea flicker caught ASU off guard yet again and Jamarr Jarrett roughed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136394/jon-hays">Jon Hays</a> on the throw to put Utah inside the Sun Devils' five yard line. A pass interference call on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35230/deveron-carr">Deveron Carr</a> gave Utah first and goal at the two. Hays then found Dallin Hays for a leaping touchdown to give the Utes a 14-10 lead.</p>
<p>ASU looked to answer back. They marched to midfield where the drive faced a fourth and one and ASU went for it. Osweiler used his 6'8" frame to sneak it for the first down. Three fruitless plays later presented another fourth down play and again the Devils went for it. Osweiler dropped back, found nothing but scrambled for the first down. However, they soon faced a fourth and eight from the Utah 17, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113616/alex-garoutte">Alex Garoutte</a> connected on a 35-yard field goal to cut the Utah lead to 14-13.</p>
<p>The pressure was on the defense to make a play and they wasted no time. On the first play, running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136397/john-white-iv">John White IV</a> was stripped by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35248/shelly-lyons">Shelly Lyons</a> and ASU recovered.</p>
<p>Osweiler then found <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112760/mike-willie">Mike Willie</a> for a huge 32-yard gain down to the Utah 12. But he wasn't done. Three plays later, Osweiler avoided the sack and sidearmed a 14-yard touchdown pass to Willie. A Utah penalty on the extra point convinced Dennis Erickson to go for two, which was successful on a slant to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/19279/aaron-pflugrad">Aaron Pflugrad</a>.</p>
<p>Oh, but the defense wasn't done.</p>
<p>The Utes' first play was intercepted by safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35235/clint-floyd">Clint Floyd</a>. A manly 25-yard run by Osweiler set up an easy four yard tocuhdown run by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77506/cameron-marshall">Cameron Marshall</a> to extend the lead to 28-14.</p>
<p>Some tough Utah runs moved their drive into ASU territory as the quarter came to a close.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/8/2477714/asu-vs-utah-ute-turnovers-result-in-28-14-lead-sun-devils-osweilerBrad Denny2011-10-08T14:05:34-07:002011-10-08T14:05:34-07:00ASU vs. Utah: Halftime Report, Devils Lead Utes 10-7
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<p>Not much scoring in this one, as the Sun Devils and Utes are locked in an epic defensive struggle.</p>
<p>With a few moments remaining in the second quarter, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77506/cameron-marshall">Cameron Marshall</a> and ASU finally started moving the ball on the ground. The Utes put together a strong defensive stand in the red zone to hold the Sun Devils to a field goal. </p>
<p>Utes quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136394/jon-hays">Jon Hays</a> was impressive in his first NCAA start, though his inexperience cost Utah some important points at the end of the half. Hays is fast can make plays happen on the run.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77503/brock-osweiler">Brock Osweiler</a> completed 15 of 26 pass attempts for 153 yards, though he looked erratic and slightly nervous in the pocket against the Utes and their rowdy crowd.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35231/gerell-robinson">Gerell Robinson</a> led the Devils with 59 receiving yards on three catches. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112761/eddie-elder">Eddie Elder</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112765/alden-darby">Alden Darby</a> both have interceptions for the Sun Devils (4-1, 2-0). <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77508/jamal-miles">Jamal Miles</a> has the lone touchdown for ASU.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135494/josh-hubner">Josh Hubner</a> has been busy for ASU, kicking five punts and averaging 40 yards per punt.</p>
<p>The Utes will receive the ball at the start of the second half, and with a three point lead ASU must get over the jitters and play some strong football in every aspect of their game.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/8/2477635/asu-vs-utah-halftime-report-sun-devils-utes-jamal-milesCory Williams2011-10-08T13:28:06-07:002011-10-08T13:28:06-07:00ASU Vs. Utah: Pac-12 South Battle Tied 7-7 After First Quarter
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<p>Arizona State's huge game against Utah began with the Utes taking a gamble in kicking off to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77508/jamal-miles" class="sbn-auto-link">Jamal Miles</a>, but it paid off as he was stopped at the 15-yard line.</p>
<p>The first Sun Devils' drive featured two catches by tight end <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77510/trevor-kohl" class="sbn-auto-link">Trevor Kohl</a>, the first two by any ASU tightend this season. However, the drive stalled around midfield and the Devils were forced to punt, but a 30-yard punt return by Charles Henderson gave the Utes great starting position at the ASU 46.</p>
<p>The Utes were able to move easily on the Devils' defense early, and a 30-yard touchdown run by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136397/john-white-iv" class="sbn-auto-link">John White IV</a> capped their five play scoring drive.</p>
<p>The second Sun Devil drive saw the running game fail to get anything going yet again, culminating in a failed third and one that saw an Osweiler incompletion.</p>
<p>The defense was able to pin the Utes back on ensuing drive, forcing a punt that gave the Sun Devils excellent field position at the Utah 46. What looked like another three and out was bailed out by a personal foul on Utah that negated a sack of Osweiler. On the next play, Osweiler hit Gerrell Robinson with a dart for 18-yards to the Utah 13. Three plays later, Osweiler hit Jamal Miles on a slant for the touchdown to tie the game.</p>
<p>Utah began their next possession at their 28-yard line. The Utes continued to use short passes to make things easier on their first-time starting quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136394/jon-hays" class="sbn-auto-link">Jon Hays</a>. After one first down, ASU's defense stiffened on third down to force a punt that rolled into the endzone for the touchback.</p>
<p>A false start penalty and a bad swing pass to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112763/kyle-middlebrooks" class="sbn-auto-link">Kyle Middlebrooks</a> pushed ASU back within their own five yard line. A pass to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112764/george-bell" class="sbn-auto-link">George Bell</a> returned the ball to the original line of scrimmage and gave ASU some more room to punt. A nice 50-yard punt by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135494/josh-hubner" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Hubner</a> pushed Utah back to their 29-yard line.</p>
<p>A reverse on the opening play picked up 14-yards and also saw ASU cornerback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77505/osahon-irabor" class="sbn-auto-link">Osahon Irabor</a> injured.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/8/2477595/asu-vs-utah-pac-12-south-battle-tied-7-7-after-first-quarterBrad Denny2011-10-08T13:23:23-07:002011-10-08T13:23:23-07:00ASU Cornerback Osahon Irabor Shaken Up Against Utah
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<p>On the final play of the first quarter against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a>, ASU cornerback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77505/osahon-irabor">Osahon Irabor</a> was shaken up after making the tackle.</p>
<p>Utah ran a reverse, and Irabor was the only player around to make a tackle. He dove headfirst, leading with his helmet to take out the Utes player at the legs.</p>
<p>Irabor stayed down in what appeared to be a preventative measure. After he stood up, it was clear that he was in pain. It could be a minor issue, such as a bad stinger. Neck injuries, even small ones, have a way of manifesting themselves in the future.</p>
<p>The ASU secondary is already depleted, and losing Irabor for even a few possessions could be a bad thing. Fortunately, on the next play of the game, Irabor's replacement, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112765/alden-darby">Alden Darby</a>, intercepted a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136394/jon-hays">Jon Hays</a> pass to give the Devils the ball at their own 15 yard line.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Devils, check out <a href="http://houseofsparky.com" target="_blank">House of Sparky</a>.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/8/2477576/asu-cornerback-osahon-irabor-shaken-up-against-utahCory Williams2011-10-08T12:11:37-07:002011-10-08T12:11:37-07:00ASU vs. Utah: Kickoff Coverage, TV Schedule, Radio And More
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<p>This is a big weekend for Arizona State football. A win would give the Sun Devils a commanding lead in the Pac-12 south division race and could potentially put them on track for home field advantage in the conference championship game. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> have not performed up to expectations this season and a win in Salt Lake City would be huge for the program.</p>
<p>Here is all of the game day coverage you will need to get ready for the showdown:</p>
<p><b>Kickoff: </b>12:30 p.m. (PDT)</p>
<p><b>Weather Report: </b>It should be a cool and comfortable day for football in SLC. Sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-50's, just a 10-percent chance of rain.</p>
<p><b>Television Coverage: </b>Fox Sports Net; Craig Bolerjack and Joel Klatt will call the action with Petros Papadakis on the sidelines.</p>
<p><b>Radio: </b>KTAR 620 AM - Sirius 128 - XM 193</p>
<p><b>Previous Matchups: </b>The two programs have not met since 1993. ASU leads the all-time series with a record of 16-6. They have won seven games in a row.</p>
<p><i>For more on ASU football, check out <a href="http://houseofsparky.com" target="_blank">House of Sparky</a>.</i></p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/arizona-st-sun-devils/2011/10/8/2477449/asu-vs-utah-kickoff-time-tv-coverage-radioScott Coleman