Arizona State’s Hail Mary Beats #16 USC 38-34
By Mario Hicks
The Arizona State Sun Devils continued the upsets this week as their Hail Mary beat the USC Trojans by a score of 38-34.
Our own Antonio Venegas wrote a preview of the game, click here to check it out.
USC opened up the scoring by a beautiful punt return that had Sun Devil fans anxious. After watching Ishmael Adams bust out touchdown returns last week, Nelson Agholor made it his turn. Agholor returned a 53 yard punt return to put the Trojans on the board 7-0.
The Sun Devils answered with a touchdown of their own. Mike Bercovici found Jaelen Strong in the end zone for a 4 yard touchdown pass. After a strong defensive stop the Sun Devils were back on the prowl.
Bercovici threw a phenomenal pass to who other than Jaelen Strong for a 77 yard touchdown, which was one of the most explosive plays of the night. The big play put the Sun Devils up 15-7.
The Trojans at home had to respond. They put together a long 11 play drive that was topped off by a one yard touchdown run by Javious Allen. The Trojans turned up the defensive heat and was able to get the ball back before halftime. They knocked in a 35 yard field goal to put them up 17-15 at half.
After trading field goals in the third quarter the Trojans lead 20-17. Once the fourth quarter began the Trojans was tired of settling for three and put together and big drive. The eight play drive was finished with an eight yard touchdown run from QB Cody Kessler.
After being down 34-24 the Sun Devils made a serious comeback. Bercovici hit Cameron Smith for a 73 yard touchdown play. A failed onside kick put pressure on the Arizona State defense but they responded and gave Bercovici one more chance.
With 24 seconds left on the game clock Bercovici said a prayer and man we’re the prayers answered. As time expired he found Strong in the end zone for a third time as time expired and the Sun Devils upset the Trojans 38-34.
Bercovici ended the game with 510 passing yards with 5 touchdowns, and Strong ended up with 10 catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns. I think they’re on the same page.
With the win the Sun Devils improve to 4-1 on the season.
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