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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Christian Caple’s Keys to the WSU Game

What went right

Very little. WSU’s offense was so inconsistent that it required a change of quarterbacks, and the Cougars wound up totaling only 241 yards while allowing seven sacks and converting just one of 16 third-down attempts. Deone Bucannon did have 17 tackles and Cyrus Coen finished with four tackles for loss, tied for seventh- most in WSU single-game history.

What went wrong

Most things. Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly completed 20 of 23 passes and each of his final 18 attempts, which set an ASU record. He also threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions, a fine complement to ASU’s 297 rushing yards. WSU frequently failed to defend well-designed pass plays and paid for it.

Turning point

If there was one, it was ASU’s first touchdown and ensuing 2-point conversion. The Sun Devils scored on a 15-yard pass from Kelly to Rashad Ross, then used a swinging-gate formation on the point-after try to move its lead to 11-0. WSU didn’t threaten to score until ASU led 32-0 late in the second quarter.

Difference maker

Ross was a favorite target of Kelly’s, and the receiver finished with eight catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Coyle only caught three passes, but two of them were touchdowns. Backup quarterback Michael Eubank provided a nice change of pace, completing 7 of 9 passes for 55 yards and a TD while rushing for 33 yards on eight carries.