ASU’s Jayden Daniels has breakout game against UCLA

Arizona State fans have been waiting for the big game from quarterback Jayden Daniels, and he delivered early on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl against UCLA.

Daniels completed eight of 11 passes in the first half for 210 yards and two passing touchdowns.

Both of Daniels first half touchdowns came on long passes to Ricky Pearsall. The first was 65-yard completion and the second was a 54-yard score.

Pearsall had three receptions for 124 yards and two scores at the half.

Daniels and the Sun Devil offense seemed to find a rhythm in the second quarter, scoring all 24 first half points on four straight possessions.

The two quarterbacks had been trading shots as Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw for 159 yards and a touchdown in the first half while adding 64 yards on the ground.

ASU held a 24-20 lead with 14 seconds to play when Sun Devil punt returner D.J. Taylor decided to pick up a bouncing ball and muffed the punt. The Bruins recovered the ball on ASU’s 8-yard line with four seconds to go.

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UCLA kicked a field goal giving the Sun Devils a 24-23 lead at the half.

ASU saved its best for the second half. The Sun Devils’ defense pitched a shutout in the final 30-minutes and ASU outscored the Bruins 18-0 in the second half to cruise to victory.

Daniels finished with 286 yards on 13-of-18 passing with two scores and added 45 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall turned in two touchdown receptions of over 50 yards and finished the game with a career-high 132 yards on four catches.

Certified problem.

✅ @PearsallRicky pic.twitter.com/xUKNs51QHr

— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 3, 2021