ASU football overcomes early turnovers to take 1st half lead vs. Arizona

Arizona State football turned the ball over twice in the first quarter of Friday’s Territorial Cup, and Arizona jumped out to an early advantage.

Down 7-0, ASU was driving into Arizona territory when a deep ball by quarterback Trenton Bourguet got tipped and intercepted by Arizona’s Jaxen Turner.

It was only the third interception of the season by the Wildcats.

pic.twitter.com/vrAZOaLW9D https://t.co/sF6J8xncuJ

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) November 25, 2022

The Sun Devils’ defense stood strong in forcing a punt on the ensuing possession, but disaster struck on special teams.

Javen Jacobs muffed a rugby-style punt, and Arizona jumped on it at the ASU 40-yard line. The turnover negated a running into the kicker penalty.

Javen Jacobs replaced DJ Taylor as ASU’s punt returner after Taylor’s muff last week vs. Oregon State.pic.twitter.com/2NNc8RbiBX https://t.co/FUZ4V82xTI

— Jake Anderson (@jwa1994) November 25, 2022

Arizona, thanks to a third-down heave by quarterback Jayden deLaura that connected with Michael Wiley, drove inside the opposing 10-yard line.

The Wildcats settled for a field goal by Tyler Loop but built a two-score lead, 10-0.

ASU responded quickly, though, with a 75-yard touchdown drive capped by a Xazavian Valladay score.

Touchdown ASU!!! 🔱@ASUFootball is on the board 👏 pic.twitter.com/m0UW7BYQXl

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2022

The Sun Devils’ defense took the ball away on Arizona’s next drive. Ro Torrence intercepted de Laura in the end zone after linebacker Kyle Soelle tipped the pass. Soelle saved a touchdown on the play.

ASU finished the half with an Elijhah Badger touchdown on a screen. The Sun Devils took a 14-10 lead.

Tune to Arizona Sports 98.7, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com for the rest of the game.

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