Arizona State (4-7, 2-6 Pac-10) started its third quarterback of the season, sophomore Samson Szakacsy. A first glance at his stats, 15-22 for 197 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, reveals what could be considered a pretty good outing.
Nonetheless, his interception and fumble, both in the first half, were returned for touchdowns. The pick was returned by Alterraun Verner for 68 yards, while the fumble, caused by Brian Price, was returned nine yards by Akeem Ayers.
The UCLA (6-5, 3-5) offense wasn’t able to muster any touchdowns of their own all afternoon, but their kicker Kai Forbath made 3 of 4 field goals to give the Bruins the breathing room it needed to secure a victory.
The ASU defense gave up just three points in the second half, but wasn’t able to minimize the turnover difference that took place at the Rose Bowl today.
Both of Szakacsy touchdown passes, for 35 and 70 yards were caught by Kyle Williams.
Dimitri Nance rushed for 110 yards on 21 carries, but just 34 of those yards were collected from the second quarter on.
Williams’ first touchdown tied the score at 7-7 late in the first half, but the hosts answered with 13 consecutive points the rest of the half. Its last score, a 20-yard field goal, was set up by a kickoff return fumble by Jamal Miles.
Up next for the Sun Devils is their regular season closer, and a chance to salvage some pride in the 2009 campaign as they host their archrival the University of Arizona.