Oct. 28, 2007
Recap | Box Score | Quotes | Photo Gallery
ARIZONA STATE NOTES
Carrying the Load: The Sun Devil ground game received a strong showing from TB Dimitri Nance as the sophomore carried 21 times for 85 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Nance recorded the first multi-scoring game of his Sun Devil career with first-half runs of 11 and 2 before adding an 8-yard score early in the third quarter.
Ball Hawks: For the eighth game in a row this season and the 10th game in a row overall (dating back to last season), the Sun Devil defense intercepted at least one pass. Against Cal, Justin Tryon opened things up as he recorded his third pick of the season, this time snagging a Nate Longshore attempt on the ASU 36 yard line and returning the ball nine yards late in the third quarter. Then, in the fourth quarter, Robert James picked his fourth pass of the year. ASU now has 14 interceptions through eight games after picking 15 total last year.
Block Party: WR Tyrice Thompson blocked Jordan Kay's 44-yard field goal attempt with 11:22 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Sun Devils their first block of the season. The blocked field goal also was the first blocked field goal attempt by Arizona State since Mike Pinkard blocked a 36-yard attempt by John Anderson of Washington on October 14, 2000, in Tempe.
Just for Kicks: Speaking of field goal attempts, Sun Devil PK Thomas Weber maintained his consecutive conversion streak as he connected on a 47-yard attempt in the third quarter and bringing his season total to 15 in a row. Weber's streak is both the school record for longest streak to open a career at ASU as well as the longest streak at any point in a career, surpassing the nine by both Alan and Luis Zendejas.
Second Half is Key: Arizona State's second half play has been a vital key to their success. On offense, the Sun Devils have come out of the intermission to score 92 points, including 10 tonight against Cal, while the defense has allowed just 17 points in the third quarter. Overall, the Sun Devils hold a 153 to 29 scoring edge in the second half of play with only three touchdowns allowed
Wins for Erickson: With the victory over California, Dennis Erickson is now 8-0 at Arizona State, moving him into second place on the list for best starts in Pac-10 history. Stanford's Charles Taylor started 9-0 in 1951 for the best start. Also, the victory marked Erickson's 27th against a ranked opponent and his first since Oregon State upset No. 8 Washington, 49-24, on November 10, 2001.
Rudy's Rankings: QB Rudy Carpenter finished the game with 219 yards on 17-of-29 passing and one touchdown, bringing his career passing yardage to 6,745. His total ranks as the 30th in Pac-10 history with Oregon's Joey Harrington (1998-01) next in line at 29th with 6,911 yards. The victory gives Carpenter 19 for his career, moving him into fifth-place all-time at Arizona State.
CALIFORNIA NOTES
Cal Captains: Syd'Quan Thompson, Nate Longshore, Thomas DeCoud, Craig Stevens
Rulon Davis seeing his first action since La Tech game, recorded a half sack, a sack and a forced fumble in his first two plays ... Davis recorded his second sack on ASU's second offensive drive, forcing a fumble which was scooped up by Cameron Jordan, resulting in Cal's first touchdown
Cameron Jordan teamed up with Rulon Davis for the half sack on ASU's first drive ... Jordan pounced on the forced fumble and scored Cal's first touchdown of the game in the first quarter
Cal's defense has now forced and recovered a fumble in all eight games this season ... Cal's defense has now recorded three touchdowns on forced fumbles this season
Robert Jordan breaks a school record with his 37th straight game with at least one reception ... he had a season-high 85 yards after three quarters of play
ASU's blocked field goal on Cal's opening drive was the first time an opponent blocked a field goal since Tim McManigal of New Mexico State did it in 2005
Heisman Trophy candidate DeSean Jackson hauled in his fifth receiving touchdown (seventh overall) of the season in the second quarter on a 21 yard pass from Nate Longshore