ASU Sun Devils’ win over USC makes SI’s list of top-25 games of 2014

Jan 16, 2015, 4:58 PM | Updated: 5:53 pm

The Arizona State Sun Devils’ dramatic “Jael Mary” victory at then-No. 16 USC was the No. 1 moment of the 2014 season for most ASU fans.

According to Sports Illustrated, it was also one of the top-10 NCAA games of the year.

ASU’s 38-34 win over the Trojans on Oct. 4 came in at No. 7 on SI’s list of the top-25 games of the 2014 season. The Sun Devils upended USC on the final play of the game when quarterback Mike Bercovici connected with wide receiver Jaelen Strong on a 46-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass.

This game should have been over when tailback Javorius Allen raced 53 yards to paydirt to put USC up 34-25 with 3:02 left in the fourth quarter. It should have been over when the Trojans recovered an onside kick after allowing a 73-yard score. Well, #Pac12AfterDark doesn’t care about should haves.

The game was also the highest ranked of any Pac-12 contest of the 2014 season, narrowly beating out Arizona’s upset victory at No. 2 Oregon, which came in eighth.

Baylor’s 61-58 win over TCU on Oct. 11 was ranked No. 1.

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Arizona State's Jaelen Strong catches a 49-yard "hail mary" pass from Mike Bercovici to defeat USC on the final play of the game on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Rob Schumacher)

Southern California defensive end Leonard Williams (94) sacks Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Arizona State wide receiver Gary Chambers (81) celebrates teammate wide receiver Jaelen Strong's (21) touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California cornerback Kevon Seymour (13) tackles Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California center Max Tuerk (75), running back Javorius Allen (37) and guard Aundrey Walker (70) celebrate teammate tight end Bryce Dixon's (13) touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California defensive tackle Delvon Simmons (52), defensive end Leonard Williams (94) and linebacker J.R. Tavai (58) celebrate after holding Arizona State running back D.J. Foster (8) to a loss during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) runs a punt back for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State , Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California wide receiver Darreus Rogers (1) is unable to make the reception as he's run down by Arizona State defensive back Kweishi Brown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Arizona State defensive back Jordan Simone (38) tackles Southern California tight end Randall Telfer (82) as teammate wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California running back Justin Davis (22) picks up the first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State , Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California running back Javorius Allen (37) looks back as he runs the ball in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. Arizona State won 38-34. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California quarterback Cody Kessler (6) takes the ball in for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. Arizona State won 38-34. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici looks for a receiver during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. Arizona State won 38-34. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California quarterback Cody Kessler, center, is congratulated by teammates after his touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. Arizona State won 38-34. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Southern California safety Su'a Cravens, left, looks on as Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong, front right, scores a game-winning touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. Arizona State won 38-34. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Arizona State wide receiver Cameron Smith (6) gets by Southern California cornerback Kevon Seymour (13), making a reception for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. Arizona State won 38-34. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Arizona State head coach Todd Graham, center, reacts during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

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