Arizona State’s first half was a stinker and the second half was stellar.
Within the aftermath of a surprisingly aggressive 37-10 victory over UNLV on Saturday evening, the 23rd-ranked Solar Devils selected to concentrate on the latter.
“Finally, our guys got here collectively,” Arizona State coach Herm Edwards mentioned. “Within the third quarter, that is after we acquired going.”
Quarterback Jayden Daniels ran for a career-high 122 yards and Rachaad White added two speeding touchdowns. Arizona State’s protection held UNLV to simply 19 whole yards within the second half and the Solar Devils have been dominant with a 23-Zero benefit after the break.
White had 90 yards on the bottom and scored a vital 9-yard landing late within the third quarter to provide Arizona State a 21-10 lead. He added a 1-yard landing run early within the fourth.
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Daniels was 20 of 29 passing for 175 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The second landing was a 33-yarder to LV Bunkley-Shelton that put the Solar Devils (2-0) up 34-10 and capped a stretch of three touchdowns in lower than seven minutes, turning a decent recreation into a snug margin.
“I feel we did a very good job in the long run,” Arizona State cornerback Chase Lucas mentioned. “However we have simply acquired to begin more energizing, begin higher.”
UNLV hadn’t gained a soccer recreation since 2019 and got here into the sport a 33.5-point underdog, in line with FanDuel Sportsbook, however did not look overmatched for a giant chunk of the evening. Arizona State needed to work for its 14-10 halftime lead.
The Solar Devils rapidly moved downfield on the primary drive earlier than Daniels’ cross into the top zone was intercepted by UNLV’s Nohl Williams. The Rebels (0-2) then put collectively a powerful 16-play, 70-yard drive that took practically eight minutes.
UNLV settled for a 28-yard discipline aim from Daniel Gutierrez to take a 3-Zero lead.
Edwards wasn’t shocked it was a decent recreation for a lot of the evening.
“They seem to be a faculty soccer workforce, not a highschool soccer workforce,” Edwards mentioned. “They offer these guys scholarships, too.”
Daniels hit Johnny Wilson for a 3-yard landing cross to push Arizona State forward 7-Three early within the second quarter, however UNLV adopted with one other good drive. This one ended when quarterback Jacob Brumfield scored a spectacular 4-yard landing, doing a somersault into the top zone after getting hit within the air proper on the aim line. It gave UNLV a 10-7 lead
“We’re not into ethical victories, however I feel we did a whole lot of issues rather well,” UNLV coach Marcus Arroyo mentioned. “I feel we have turned a web page with regard to how our guys struggle, our resiliency and the way we see ourselves.”
Arizona State responded with a 13-yard landing run from Daniyel Ngata to take a 14-10 lead into the break.
Brumfield threw for 60 yards and ran for 43 yards and a landing. The Solar Devils ended the sport with a 462-155 benefit in whole yards.
GETTING DEFENSIVE
Arizona State senior linebacker Darien Butler had two sacks in opposition to UNLV one week after he had two interceptions in a win over Southern Utah.
Butler was a giant a part of Arizona State’s wonderful defensive second half. UNLV had only one first down after the break.
THE TAKEAWAY
UNLV: The Rebels nonetheless have not gained a soccer recreation since 2019, however are trending within the appropriate route. One week after shedding to FCS-level Jap Washington 35-33, they went toe-to-toe with a veteran-filled Pac-12 opponent. UNLV’s had a tough time the previous couple years. They have been 0-6 within the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and have began this 12 months with two straight losses.
Arizona State: It was one other uneven efficiency for the Solar Devils, who do not appear to be one of many Pac-12’s elite in the meanwhile. They ultimately wore down an overmatched UNLV workforce, but it surely was a 14-10 recreation till late within the third quarter.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Arizona State gained, however its spot within the Prime 25 cannot be safe after the up-and-down efficiency. The excellent news for the Solar Devils is that they’re considered one of simply three Pac-12 groups — together with UCLA and Oregon — to begin the 12 months with a 2-Zero document.
UP NEXT
UNLV hosts Iowa State subsequent Saturday.
Arizona State travels to face BYU subsequent Saturday.
Supply
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