Oct. 31, 2009
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TEMPE, Ariz. (by Carmen Vitali, ASU Media Relations) - Arizona State’s homecoming game was a nail biter that came down to the last minute, but it did not go in the Devils favor as the California Golden Bears slid by ASU for a 23-21 victory at Sun Devil Stadium. Sophomore kicker Giorgio Tavecchio, having missed two previous field goals of 34 and 39 yards, connected on a 24-yarder with 21 seconds left to play in the game to put the Golden Bears on top.
“It's just disheartening as hard as we played. We had a chance to win,” ASU Head Coach Dennis Erickson said about the outcome of the game.
The Devils had trailed 14-0 in the first quarter but were able to rally in the second on two touchdowns. Sophomore Samson Szakacsy trotted onto the field after the Devil defense had recovered a fumble deep in California territory. He delivered a three-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Jovon Williams. That was Szakacsy’s first career pass attempt, completion and touchdown and Williams’ first career touchdown as well.
Later on in the second quarter Danny Sullivan connected with senior Kyle Williams for an 80-yard touchdown play, marking the longest passing play of Sullivan’s career as well as Williams’ longest reception, surpassing his previous long of 55 yards in 2006.
Before the end of the half the Golden Bears snuck in a 25-yard field goal to make the score a close 17-14 at halftime. The Golden Bears would add a 51-yard field goal in the third quarter to make it 20-14.
The Devils answered with 10:21 left in the fourth on a 6-yard touchdown run by freshman Cameron Marshall, giving ASU their first lead of the day.
ASU clung to their one point lead as Cal got the ball back with 3:16 to go. QB Kevin Riley led the Golden Bears down the field on an 11-play, 74-yard drive that ended with Tavecchio's field goal. The Sun Devils got the ball back with 18 seconds, but ran out of time, giving Cal the win.
The Devils held the Golden Bears ground game, which came into the game averaging 214.1 yards rushing to just 57 yards. They also held talented junior and potential Heisman Trophy candidate Jahvid Best to 63-yards, hardly his average of 110.7 yards a game.
The offensive line also held up strong for the Devils, not allowing a single sack for the first time this season.
The Devils play USC at home this Saturday at 6:15pm on ABC.