1st half blunders negate Arizona State’s passing attack against BYU

Despite an impressive passing attack from Arizona State in the first half, three turnovers negated the offensive success as BYU defeated the Sun Devils 27-17 on Saturday.

The Sun Devils fumbled the opening kickoff on their own 12-yard line, resulting in a three-play BYU touchdown.

Arizona State responded by opening up the passing attack to even the game at 7-7.

ASU had been quiet passing the ball through the first two weeks, passing for under 200 yards in both games.

The run game has been the talk of Sun Devil football from their two running backs Rachaad White and DeaMonte “Chip” Trayanum, as well as quarterback Jayden Daniels.

With Trayanum missing Saturday’s contest, Daniels had been called to pass the ball more in the first half, completing 13 of 19 passes for 176 yards and two interceptions — the first of which was off a tipped pass in the red zone.

Another tough self-blow to the Sun Devils after the pass intended for Hodges is intercepted. pic.twitter.com/2tWbKMy875

— DevilsDigest.com (@DevilsDigest) September 19, 2021

The highlight of the first half for the Sun Devils was a 58-yard reception to Andre Johnson that was downed on the 1-yard line and ultimately punched in for a touchdown by White.

Following the interception, BYU broke out a trick play to score a 34-yard touchdown giving them a 14-7 lead with 8:54 remaining in the half.

BYU scored again with just under five minutes to go in the first half, giving the Cougars a 21-7 lead.

By my unofficial handy dandy notebook – ASU has given up plays of 31, 20, 34, 35 and 15 on the last two BYU drives. That is not good!

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 19, 2021