ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

ASU’s Dasmond Tautalatasi intercepts Michigan State pass in end zone

Sep 8, 2018, 9:10 PM | Updated: 11:40 pm

Arizona State defensive back Demonte King (28) tips a pass intended for Michigan State tight end Ma...

Arizona State defensive back Demonte King (28) tips a pass intended for Michigan State tight end Matt Dotson (89) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Coming off a 49-7 win over UTSA, ASU defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales told his unit that “we’re not very good yet.”

They took that to heart.

The defense limited Michigan State to just three points over the first 20 minutes of the game, but ran into trouble as the Spartans advanced on their first full drive of the second quarter.

Quarterback Brian Lewerke fooled the unit in the red zone by faking to his right before finding a wide open receiver on the left side for a 13-yard gain.

With their backs against the goal line, the defense needed to make a stop.

They came through on a slightly high throw by Lewerke, who was under pressure.

The ball bounced off the hand of Michigan State tight end Matt Dotson and then was tipped in the air by defensive back Demonte King.

Defensive back Dasmond Tautalatasi ran under it to catch it in the end zone.

He sprinted out to get to the 16-yard line before getting taken down.

It was the first interception of Tautalatasi’s collegiate career.

ASU was forced to punt on its next drive, but the interception stopped Michigan State’s progress and kept the deficit at 3-0.

That remained the score at halftime.

Arizona State Football

Head coach Kenny Dillingham...

Vincent DeAngelis

Defense stands out at Arizona State football spring practice with ‘attack the ball’ mentality

The Arizona State defensive line has impressed head coach Kenny Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward early in spring practice.

10 hours ago

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the second half of the team's NCAA college footb...

Vincent DeAngelis

Kenny Dillingham talks Jaden Rashada injury, revamped roster ahead of spring ball

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed quarterback Jaden Rashada's injury, revamped roster and NIL ahead of start of spring ball

6 days ago

Jaden Rashada on the football field...

Arizona Sports

Report: ASU’s Jaden Rashada dealing with thumb injury, will miss spring ball

ASU's Jaden Rashada won't be a full participant in spring ball due to a thumb injury on his throwing hand suffered earlier in the year.

8 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

13 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

14 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

15 days ago

ASU’s Dasmond Tautalatasi intercepts Michigan State pass in end zone