TEMPE, Ariz. – A fourth quarter rally wasn't enough on Saturday night as San Diego State slipped past the Sun Devils to hand Arizona State its first loss of the season.
Quarterback Manny Wilkins threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns but the Aztecs (2-0) ultimately held on for the 30-20 victory. The loss marks just the second time that the Sun Devils have started 1-1 in the Todd Graham era.
"You have to give them credit," said Graham after the game. "Our guys showed heart but it didn't count on the scoreboard. I thought we would come back and win the whole time."
Senior Kalen Ballage was relied on heavily in this one, carrying the ball 15 times while adding one touchdown. The running back has now scored at least once in six of Arizona State's last seven games.
Tonight's touchdown came late in the first quarter, crossing the goal line in a play that started out of the Sparky formation as time expired in the opening stanza. The ensuing extra point from freshman Brandon Ruiz evened the score at 7-7.
The Sun Devil passing game began to click later in the half, punctuated by a commanding seven play, 77-yard drive at the midway point of the second quarter. Wilkins found wideouts Kyle Williams and Jalen Harvey for two big pass plays (35 and 19 yards, respectively) before locating N'Keal Harry for a five-yard touchdown pass that cut the team's deficit to 17-14.
Harry finished the night with five receptions and 49 yards through the air. He now leads the team with 11 catches through two games.
Arizona State found itself down by two possessions early in the fourth quarter but was able to mount a small rally behind Wilkins and company.
After evading multiple would-be tacklers on a 3rd-and-37 from around midfield, Wilkins connected with freshman Frank Darby for a 53-yard touchdown.
"It was really cool to see him get that opportunity to make a play," Wilkins said when asked about his receiver. "He made a play, kept his eye on the ball and kept his head over his shoulder."
The reception put a cap on a breakout day for the freshman, who finished with 111 yards in just his second game in the maroon and gold.
"That's what you want as a quarterback, just a guy to go get the ball," said Wilkins. "He put his head down and made some plays. I'm proud of him."
The strike to Darby pulled the Sun Devils to within 10 points at 30-20, but the comeback attempt was ultimately extinguished in the game's final seconds.
Wilkins and the rest of the receiving corps dominated in the passing game, out-gaining the visitors from San Diego 298-73 through the air. The offense also converted in both of its trips to the red zone for a second consecutive game.
Arizona State now looks ahead to next week's game at Texas Tech, where it will attempt to bounce back and finish non-conference play on a high note.
"We just have to go to the next game and play ball," Wilkins said. "That's what we're here to do."
Quarterback Manny Wilkins threw for 298 yards and two touchdowns but the Aztecs (2-0) ultimately held on for the 30-20 victory. The loss marks just the second time that the Sun Devils have started 1-1 in the Todd Graham era.
"You have to give them credit," said Graham after the game. "Our guys showed heart but it didn't count on the scoreboard. I thought we would come back and win the whole time."
Senior Kalen Ballage was relied on heavily in this one, carrying the ball 15 times while adding one touchdown. The running back has now scored at least once in six of Arizona State's last seven games.
Tonight's touchdown came late in the first quarter, crossing the goal line in a play that started out of the Sparky formation as time expired in the opening stanza. The ensuing extra point from freshman Brandon Ruiz evened the score at 7-7.
With this TD, Ballage now has 24 career rushing TDs, just four shy of Art Malone who is fifth on the Sun Devil career list. #SDSUvsASU pic.twitter.com/6D08RQDuo8
— Sun Devil Football (@FootballASU) September 10, 2017
The Sun Devil passing game began to click later in the half, punctuated by a commanding seven play, 77-yard drive at the midway point of the second quarter. Wilkins found wideouts Kyle Williams and Jalen Harvey for two big pass plays (35 and 19 yards, respectively) before locating N'Keal Harry for a five-yard touchdown pass that cut the team's deficit to 17-14.
Harry finished the night with five receptions and 49 yards through the air. He now leads the team with 11 catches through two games.
Arizona State found itself down by two possessions early in the fourth quarter but was able to mount a small rally behind Wilkins and company.
After evading multiple would-be tacklers on a 3rd-and-37 from around midfield, Wilkins connected with freshman Frank Darby for a 53-yard touchdown.
#Pac12AfterDark has reached Tempe!
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 10, 2017
Frank Darby with a TD catch on a 3rd-and 37 for @FootballASU!
Watch #SDSUvsASU: https://t.co/YfMNDWtSGW pic.twitter.com/EU5A75XpL2
"It was really cool to see him get that opportunity to make a play," Wilkins said when asked about his receiver. "He made a play, kept his eye on the ball and kept his head over his shoulder."
The reception put a cap on a breakout day for the freshman, who finished with 111 yards in just his second game in the maroon and gold.
"That's what you want as a quarterback, just a guy to go get the ball," said Wilkins. "He put his head down and made some plays. I'm proud of him."
The strike to Darby pulled the Sun Devils to within 10 points at 30-20, but the comeback attempt was ultimately extinguished in the game's final seconds.
Wilkins and the rest of the receiving corps dominated in the passing game, out-gaining the visitors from San Diego 298-73 through the air. The offense also converted in both of its trips to the red zone for a second consecutive game.
Arizona State now looks ahead to next week's game at Texas Tech, where it will attempt to bounce back and finish non-conference play on a high note.
"We just have to go to the next game and play ball," Wilkins said. "That's what we're here to do."