Tempe, AZ – Arizona State trailing by three points late in the 4th quarter when true freshman Eno Benjamin rumbles, spins and tumbles into the end zone for a touchdown. This was Arizona State first lead of the game with 5:33 left before defeating Colorado 41-30.
“Simply our mindset is get what the defense gives us,” said ASU Manny Wilkins QB, “Just keep picking away, picking away and eventually they give you the game.”
The Sun Devils scored 24 points in the 4th quarter against verse the Buffaloes. This was after being down by 10 points most of the night.
Each 4th quarter touchdown for Sun Devils was on the ground just pounding away until Colorado buckled.
“I was really proud of our offensive line, they took a step forward today,” said coach Todd Graham, “our whole game plan was to run the ball.”
The Sun Devils rushed for 381 yards in the game led by Demario Richard with 189 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown.
Their leader Manny Wilkins threw for 202 yards, two touchdown and one rushing touchdown for Arizona State.
“We knew adversity was going to strike,” said Wilkins, “Keep throwing jabs, throwing jabs, …then fake a jab and land a haymaker you knock em down.”
Colorado came out in the first half and established the running game with the fireplug Phillip Lindsay. He scored his game two touchdowns in the second quarter finishing with 80 yards on 23 carries.
The first half was really frustrating for the Sun Devils offense, which Colorado is due all the credit for that.
“Man it’s hard to win,” said coach Todd Graham, “In the end it was Sun Devil discipline football tonight.”
Now Arizona State will travel to the Rose Bowl to play UCLA, which has potential to be a great stats game for their running backs.
