The ASU offense wasn’t exactly sharp in its season opener against Idaho State. Thanks to the Sun Devil defense, it didn’t need to be.

Led by senior linebacker Mike Nixon, the defense manhandled the Bengals in 50-3 rout.

Nixon had three interceptions, one that he returned 34 yards for a touchdown, and also blocked a punt as ASU moved to 3-0 in season openers under coach Dennis Erickson.

The strong effort wasn’t limited to the 26-year-old senior, though.

The Sun Devils gave up only three first downs, forced five turnovers and yielded zero first-half yards.

Freshman Vontaze Burfict had an impressive debut one day after being cleared to play by the NCAA.

The highly touted linebacker entered the game in the second half when he recovered a fumble and had a monster sack of ISU quarterback Russell Hill.

Offensively, senior Danny Sullivan was efficient in his first-career start, completing 13-of-25 passes for 165 yards, but the Sun Devils had problems putting the ball in the end zone for much of the game.

Several dropped passes near the goal line meant the Sun Devils settled for five field goals from junior kicker Thomas Weber, which tied a school record.

The offense did find rhythm late in the game.

Freshman Brock Osweiler entered the game late in the third quarter and led the Sun Devils to three touchdowns.

The first was a 38-yard touchdown run by sophomore Ryan Bass.

Then, on the first play following Nixon’s third interception, Osweiler found senior wide receiver Brian Matsumoto for a 16-yard touchdown.

The Sun Devils later added a score on a touchdown run by Jarrell Woods.

Nixon became the first Sun Devil to intercept three passes in one game since Sept. 23, 1989.