Relive the 2013 regular season as we spend the next 13 days counting down toward the team’s departure to San Diego. Every day, from Dec. 12 through Dec. 24, we will take a unique look back at all 13 games this year. Visit thesundevils.com as well as all of Sun Devil Athletics’ social media outlets daily.
ASU Shuts Out Sacramento State In 2013 Opener
Arizona State 55, Sacramento State 0
Sept. 5, 2013, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Quarterback Taylor Kelly threw for 300 yards and matched a career high with five touchdown passes to five different receivers before sitting out most of the second half, as Arizona State opened its second season under head coach Todd Graham with a 55-0 rout over Sacramento State on Thursday night.
ASU’s victory was its first non-conference shutout at home in 17 years and the Devils remained undefeated in home openers since 1998.
The Sun Devils opened with a 63-6 win over Northern Arizona in 2012 and quickly took care of another FCS opponent to start this season, scoring on their first five possessions while building a 42-0 halftime lead.
Running back Marion Grice had a pair of touchdowns and finished with 117 total yards, and six different Sun Devils registered multiple catches, including wide receiver Jaelen Strong, who led the team with six catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Despite being one of two FCS teams to beat an FBS opponent each of the previous two seasons, Sacramento State never stood much of a chance against the bigger, faster Sun Devils.
The Hornets, who lost 24-0 to San Jose State in their opener, had a good opening drive against Arizona State, but did little else after that, finishing with 167 total yards and three turnovers.
The Sun Devils went into halftime with a 42-0 lead, 340 yards of offense and held the Hornets without a first down after their initial drive.
Kelly was 19 of 24 for 262 yards and matched his career high for touchdown passes by halftime. He played one series of the third quarter before sitting out the rest of the half.
Senior defensive tackle Will Sutton helped the Sun Devils secure its first non-conference shutout at home in 17 years.
Redshirt senior linebacker Grandville Taylor grabbed his first collegiate interception and returned it 67 yards, and also recovered a fumble in the win.