ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Manny Wilkins, ASU have the deep ball going vs. NMSU

Aug 31, 2017, 10:20 PM | Updated: 11:37 pm

Arizona State Manny Wilkins warms up before the team's NCAA college football game against New Mexico State, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz.. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN

Arizona Sports

Arizona State’s running backs weren’t finding holes, and the defense appeared to be a work-in-progress — ASU had a 249-217 yard disadvantage at the half — as a 14-0 Sun Devil lead after the first quarter evaporated.

But two big downfield plays kept the Sun Devils out in front Thursday before they pulled away for good in a 37-31 season-opening win against New Mexico State.

Wilkins finished 22-of-27 for 300 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

More than a third of those yards came off two downfield plays.

First, it was Wilkins finding receiver Jalen Harvey for a 53-yard score that took advantage of a defenseless middle of the field. The score midway through the first quarter gave ASU its two-touchdown lead.

WIDE. OPEN. SPACES.@TheSunDevils lead 14-0 halfway thru the 1st period! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/Fevno3y9Wp

— Sun Devil Football (@FootballASU) September 1, 2017

After the Aggies pulled within 14-13 at halftime, and after ASU kicker Brandon Ruiz hit a 52-yard field goal to give his team a four-point edge, Wilkins again struck with the deep ball, hitting receiver John Humphrey for a 60-yard pass that put Arizona State ahead 24-13 in the third quarter.

When in doubt, air it out!

Wilkins + Humphrey = 6 for @FootballASU! 💥

Watch: https://t.co/YfMNDWtSGW https://t.co/T4xPvVj9Tg

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 1, 2017

Coach Todd Graham’s team would add a Kalen Ballage rushing touchdown — his second of the night — before the end of the third quarter to score 16 straight points and build a 30-13 lead heading to the fourth.

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Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) runs the ball for a first down against New Mexico State during the first half during an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage celebrates with wide receiver Jalen Harvey (89) after Harvey scored a touchdown against New Mexico State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

New Mexico State quarterback Tyler Rogers (17) throws a screen pass against Arizona State during the first half during an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State wide receiver Jalen Harvey (89) carries the ball for a touchdown after a reception, in front of New Mexico State defensive back Austin Perkins during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

New Mexico State quarterback Tyler Rogers throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

New Mexico State running back Larry Rose III (3) stiff-arms Arizona State defensive back J'Marcus Rhodes (17) during the first half during an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

New Mexico State running back Larry Rose III (3) runs the ball for a first down in the first half against Arizona State during an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage (7) scores a touchdown between New Mexico State defensive back Jaden Wright (21) and Lui Fa'amasino, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State's Josh Pokraka (82) and teammates touch the Pat Tillman statue before an NCAA college football game against New Mexico State, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz.. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

New Mexico State's Tyler Rogers (17) warms up before a football game against Arizona State, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz.. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

New Mexico State coach Doug Martin, left, and Arizona State coach Todd Graham talk before an NCAA college football game, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz.. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State Manny Wilkins warms up before the team's NCAA college football game against New Mexico State, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz.. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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