ASU’s Valladay reaches 1,000 rushing yards on season in loss to Oregon State

Arizona State running back Xazavian Valladay picked up 14 yards on a carry in the first quarter vs. Oregon State Saturday afternoon. In doing so, he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards on the season.

Valladay has reached the 1,000-yard plateau three times in his college career, the other two coming at Wyoming in 2019 and 2021.

He entered Saturday’s game 14 yards shy of the mark and picked up 24 yards on five carries in the opening 15 minutes against the No. 23 Beavers.

X. Valladay, Merlin Robertson and Kyle Soelle run onto the field for senior day. Valladay was emotional, wish he could’ve been a Sun Devil for more than a season! @Xfactor4_ @_Merlin_2 pic.twitter.com/vaSjm23Et4

— State of the Sun Devils (@AZSportsDevils) November 19, 2022

Valladay has been a consistent threat for the ASU offense in a season defined by changes at head coach, play caller and quarterback. The graduate student entered Saturday’s home finale having gained at least 100 scrimmage yards in seven of 10 games.

For his efforts, the ASU tailback has accepted his invitation to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl.

The Sun Devils got off to a difficult start offensively against OSU, getting shutout through the first 28 minutes of the game.

Valladay gained 39 yards on an explosive rush late in the first half, setting up the Sun Devils on the red zone.

He capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown rush, helping ASU tie the game with just under two minutes left in the half.

X. Valladay breaks off a 39-yard run and then he takes it in from 11 yards out. ASU trails 14-7 at the half. @AZSportsDevils pic.twitter.com/6WNXkvuY5b

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) November 19, 2022

Valladay finished the first half with 74 rushing yards on seven carries. He closed the game with 109 rushing yards.

“He’s a workhorse and he’s going to do whatever it takes,” interim head coach Shaun Aguano said postgame. “I’m proud of him. He is the heart and soul of our football team.”

Oregon State led at the break 14-7 and won 31-7.

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