ASU’s Ballage named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week

Sep 12, 2016, 11:27 AM

Arizona State's Kalen Ballage (7) runs for a touchdown against Texas Tech's Jordyn Brooks (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

It comes as no surprise that Arizona State junior running back Kalen Ballage was named the Pac-12’s offensive player of the week on Monday.

Against Texas Tech Saturday, Ballage tied an NCAA record with eight total touchdowns in the Sun Devils’ 68-55 win over the Red Raiders.

Are you kidding?! Kalen Ballage scores his 8th Touchdown in style! https://t.co/AkHFuNxQa3

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 11, 2016

In all, Ballage ran for 137 yards on 13 carries and added another 48 yards on two catches.

After the record-setting performance, ASU coach Todd Graham praised Ballage’s effort.

“It’s hard to really point out individuals in a win like that,” said head coach Todd Graham before turning his attention to Ballage. “Kalen is a guy who is just now figuring out how powerful and explosive he can really be, and I think tonight he began to scratch that surface really well.”

Along with tying the NCAA record for touchdowns, Ballage also set conference marks for most touchdowns scored in a single game and most rushing touchdowns by a single player. He also outscored 93 FBS teams by himself over the weekend.

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Texas Tech's Cameron Batson (13) gets brought down by Arizona State's Viliami Moeakiola, left, and Edmond Boateng (97) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona State's Kalen Ballage (7) runs for a touchdown against Texas Tech's Jordyn Brooks (20) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes II looks to pass against Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Texas Tech's Clayton Hatfield (96) reacts to missing an extra point against Arizona State as teammate Dylan Cantrell (14) stands nearby during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes II, left, runs with the ball as he gets past Arizona State's Koron Crump (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Texas Tech's Jonathan Giles (9) makes a catch for a touchdown against Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Texas Tech's Jonathan Giles (9) makes a diving catch against Arizona State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona State's Manny Wilkins throws a pass against Texas Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona State's N'Keal Harry (1) beats Texas Tech's D.J. Polite-Bray (3) to the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Texas Tech's Justin Stockton (4) is stopped just short of the end zone as he is tackled by Arizona State's Armand Perry, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

After making a catch, Texas Tech's Derrick Willies, left, cuts past Arizona State's Tyler Whileyon his way to a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Texas Tech's Patrick Mahomes II, left, scores a touchdown as he beats Arizona State's Tyler Whiley (23) and Koron Crump (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona State's Armand Perry (13) and Maurice Chandler (8) celebrate a safety against Texas Tech as Texas Tech's Baylen Brown (65) and Justin Murphy (73) walk off the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona State's Kalen Ballage (7) celebrates a touchdown against Texas Tech with Sam Jones, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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