Valedictorian: Redshirt senior safety Damarious Randall
In a great overall game by ASU, Randall was the leader of the pack. Randall had seven tackles and a sack of senior quarterback Kevin Hogan on which he forced a fumble. He also recovered a fumble on special teams and nearly came away with an interception on Stanford's field goal drive in the third quarter.
Despite not putting up the gaudy numbers like they did against USC, the Sun Devils did their job against a staunch Stanford defense. Redshirt junior quarterback Mike Bercovici was efficient, going 23-for-33 through the air for 245 yards and a touchdown pass to redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong in the second quarter while also running for 24 yards on scrambles. The running attack was much better as junior running back DJ Foster and redshirt senior running back Deantre Lewis both were able to find running room, combining for 106 yards on 34 carries.
A unit that has been much maligned this season had a statement performance Saturday. In addition to Randall's performance, junior cornerback Kweishi Brown had his best game of the season, making six tackles and breaking up a game-high five passes. ASU was able to make big plays whenever it needed, getting opportune sacks and pressures all game long. Redshirt junior cornerback Lloyd Carrington also played very well, sacking Hogan and played a big part in a secondary that confused all night.
By far the best effort by the unit this season, the special teamers were great from start to finish. Despite an early missed field goal, sophomore kicker Zane Gonzalez was four of five in the game, making all four in the second half to put the game away. ASU also forced two turnovers on special teams, changing the game in their favor. Senior wide receiver Ty Montgomery, who many say is the best return man in the country, was bottled up in the return game, totaling just 57 yards on three returns.
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @Tonis_The_Tiger
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