ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

ASU defense leads the way in 1st half against Arizona in Territorial Cup

Nov 27, 2021, 3:32 PM | Updated: 5:33 pm

TEMPE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 27: Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall #19 of the Arizona State Sun Devils cele...

TEMPE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 27: Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall #19 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates with Case Hatch #44 after catching a 14-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Wildcats during the first quarter of the Territorial Cup game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Arizona State has leaned on its defense at many different times this season, but during Saturday’s Territorial Cup the defense shined in the first half in ASU’s 38-15 win over the Wildcats.

Arizona struck first kicking a field goal on the opening drive, but the Sun Devils responded with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Ricky Pearsall.

Arizona State’s defense held in the red zone on the Wildcats’ second drive of the game forcing another field goal, making the score 7-6 in favor of the Sun Devils.

Arizona forced an ASU punt, but the ensuing defensive drive is where the Sun Devils found some temporary breathing room.

As Arizona quarter back Will Plummer rolled to his right, ASU corner Jack Jones punched the ball out of his hands which launched toward the Wildcats’ goal line. The ball was recovered on the 1-yard-line and punched in with a Rachaad White one-yard score.

The Wildcats tacked on nine more points for the remainder of the game.

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ASU defense leads the way in 1st half against Arizona in Territorial Cup