ASU’s tricky onside kick contributes to 14-0 run for Sun Devils in Sun Bowl
Dec 29, 2017, 4:46 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2017, 9:18 am
TRICKERATION. 👀
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) December 29, 2017
Catch @FootballASU live in the @HyundaiSunBowl on CBS. pic.twitter.com/NzaiOyW07R
It was looking bleak for the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Sun Bowl when North Carolina State was up 38-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Following a touchdown run for Manny Wilkins with 9:52 to go in the fourth quarter, head coach Todd Graham decided to get tricky in his last game before being replaced by Herm Edwards.
He attempted his second onside kick of the game, with this variation including two fakes.
After a couple of odd bounces, the Sun Devils wound up with the ball and used catches by Ryan Newsome and Kyle Williams to make it two straight scores and a 38-24 deficit.
How about another one!? @MannyWilkins5 👉🏼 @kylewilliamsVI for 6 and just like that it's a two score game with 8:52 left.
NC State 38, ASU 24 pic.twitter.com/KuB7b4VBoH
— Sun Devil Football (@FootballASU) December 29, 2017
That gave ASU a bit of hope, and in a sign of not trusting his defense to get the stops needed for the comeback, Graham attempted his third onside kick of the game and the Wolfpack recovered.
His concerns proved valid, as the Wolfpack would score on that drive and effectively end the game with just over four minutes to go.
After another Wilkins touchdown pass, the Sun Devils attempted their fourth onside kick of the game. This one was the worst of the four, as it went right to H-back Jaylen Samuels, who nearly took it all the way back for a touchdown to the ASU five-yard line.
