Sun Devils edge UCLA

PASADENA, Calif. – Keegan Herring rushed for 116 yards, including a 71-yard touchdown, and Rudy Carpenter threw for 200 yards and another score Saturday to lead No. 9 Arizona State to a 24-20 victory over UCLA.

The Sun Devils (9-1, 6-1 Pac-10) remained in the thick of the conference race and kept their hopes alive for a spot in a BCS bowl.

The injury-riddled Bruins (5-5, 4-3) lost for the fourth time in five games.

Herring’s running and Carpenter’s passing gave Arizona State just enough to overcome the Bruins, who kept the game close despite using their fourth quarterback of the year and starting their third-string running back.

Carpenter went 16 of 31, including a 9-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. Chris McGaha had nine catches for 123 yards.

Osaar Rasshan, who had been converted to wide receiver then switched back to quarterback last month after injuries sidelined the Bruins’ first two quarterbacks, went 14 of 27 for 181 yards, with one interception. He also ran for 41 yards on 13 carries.

The Sun Devils fell behind 10-0 early, trailed 13-10 at halftime, then went ahead to stay on Dimitri Nance’s 11-yard touchdown run 5 minutes into the third quarter.