ASU QB Jayden Daniels runs wild in 2nd half of Territorial Cup win
Nov 27, 2021, 5:26 PM
Arizona State’s offense needed a strong start to the second half in Saturday’s Territorial Cup against Arizona.
The Sun Devils led just 14-9 after gaining 128 yards ahead of the break.
On the fourth play from scrimmage, they got it.
Junior quarterback Jayden Daniels dropped back and faced a five-man rush, the pressure came from his right, so he rolled out to his left, shaking off some contact in the process.
There was seemingly a mile of green grass ahead of Daniels, who ran for 15 yards before adjusting his course.
He utilized key blocks by receiver Ricky Pearsall and running back Rachaad White to reach the end zone for a 48-yard touchdown run.
This began a commanding second half for ASU, which took down the Wildcats 38-15.
House call.
🏠📞 @JayD__5
📺 Pac-12 Networks
💻 https://t.co/Yx1JHKXUNT pic.twitter.com/RhIBNYRYbW— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) November 27, 2021
Daniels did not have the most productive first half with a couple of missed throws while receivers struggled to get open.
His big run in the second half started a much more effective offensive performance from ASU, which scored on a run-heavy 78-yard drive on its following possession.
That series finished with Daniels finding Pearsall for a 14-yard score, their second touchdown connection of the day.
That Jayden-to-Ricky connection 🔗🥵@JayD__5 » @PearsallRicky
📺 Pac-12 Networks
💻 https://t.co/Yx1JHKXUNT pic.twitter.com/RTDSYvQGBV— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) November 27, 2021
The Sun Devil run game carried the load offensively, and Daniels had a major role in that alongside from his 48-yard score. He led the team with 86 rushing yards through three quarters, while White finished the game as ASU’s leader with 98. Arizona State rushed for 228 yards overall.
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The ASU defense took care of the rest, holding Arizona to six points in the second half.
Cornerback Jack Jones intercepted Will Plummer’s pass and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Sun Devils have won five Territorial Cup games in a row and finish the regular season 8-4.
