Tempe, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) – Zane Gonzalez’s 36-yard field goal in overtime
lifted 15th-ranked Arizona State to a 19-16 win over 18th-ranked Utah on
Saturday.
Arizona State won the toss in OT and chose to put its defense on the field
first.
The Utes only gained seven yards in three plays, and Andy Phillips missed a
35-yard field goal attempt. Utah was granted a timeout before the kick,
however, and Phillips was given a second chance. His first attempt was pushed
to the right, then he yanked his second attempt to the left.
The hosts didn’t pursue the end zone on their possession, rather leave it up
to Gonzalez, who snuck it through the right upright for the emotional victory.
Taylor Kelly converted 18-of-32 passes for 205 yards with one touchdown and an
interception for the Sun Devils (7-1, 5-1 Pac-12), who moved into sole
possession of first place in the Pac-12 South with their fourth consecutive
win.
Demario Richard rushed for a career-high 112 yards and Jaelen Strong caught
five passes for 77 yards with a score in the win
Arizona State has defeated Utah 11 straight times.
The Utes (6-2, 3-2), who had their three-game losing streak snapped, were
looking to win their third game over a Top-25 opponent this season.
Devontae Booker rushed for a game-high 146 yards and also caught a touchdown
pass in the win.
Utah, which trailed by seven at halftime, started the second half with a
10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Travis Wilson rushed for a 32-yard gain on a
QB keeper to the Sun Devils 8, then tossed a 4-yard TD pass to Booker two
plays later which tied the game at 13-13.
The Utes’ defense forced a punt of Arizona State on their next series, and
Phillips knocked down a 44-yard field goal to give the visitors a 16-13 lead
midway through the third.
The defensive unit of Utah caused fits for the Sun Devils’ offense for most of
the night, but ASU manufactured a 30-yard field goal from Gonzalez with 5:47
left in regulation, thanks in part to a 31-yard pitch-and-catch from Kelly to
Gary Chambers.
Kaelin Clay proceeded to return the ensuing kickoff 42 yards to the Utes 45.
Arizona State’s defense stepped up, however, forcing a punt so its offense
could get another crack at the win in regulation.
Strong made a nice leaping catch for 26 yards to move the ball to midfield
before Kelly rushed up the middle for 12 yards to enter Utah territory.
Like it did for most of the night, though, the Utah defense stood tall and
forced a punt.
Arizona State’s opening 10-play march stalled inside the Utah 5, and Gonzalez
came on to convert a 20-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
After a punt from the Utes, Gonzalez capped another drive with a field goal,
this time from 45 yards out to give the hosts a 6-0 lead after the first
quarter.
An interception of Kelly by Gionni Paul set up Utah’s first points of the
night.
The Utes managed to gain just 27 yards after the turnover, but that’s as much
as Phillips needed, as he booted a 50-yard kick through the uprights to cut
the deficit in half.
The Sun Devils answered with a touchdown, however.
Richard bolted for a 32-yard gain on the first play of the series, then Kelly
and Strong hooked up two plays later for a 32-yard gain to the Utes 7.
Following a 1-yard run by Richard, Strong hauled in a TD pass from Kelly to
make it 13-3.
Gonzalez missed a 50-yard attempt on Arizona State’s next touch before
Phillips closed the half with a successful 36-yard field goal to make it 13-6
at the break.
Game Notes
The Utes’ last five games have been decided by six points or less … Arizona
State, which hosts Notre Dame next week, holds a 20-6 edge over Utah in the
all-time series … Kelly rushed for 55 yards.
