Albuquerque, NM – The #17 ASU Sun Devils were heavy favorites heading into their match up against the New Mexico Lobos. The Devils sprinted out of the gate to take a 22-0 lead, but the Lobos fought back to close the gap to 32-21 by halftime.

Following the break ASU’s offense “kept the hammer down” and scored repeatedly, and the defense found their composure, resulting in a 58-23 victory over New Mexico.

Here’s 10 Pivotal Plays in ASU’s Win over New Mexico

1. On ASU’s first possession, Taylor Kelly was off to the races when he scampered 52 yards on a broken play to the New Mexico 15 yard line. It was the longest run of Kelly’s career. Kelly’s run set up a 2 yard Deantre Lewis TD run a few plays later.

2. On the extra point, the Sun Devils added a new twist with a spread formation that put DeMarieya Nelson in motion from the right side. Mike Bercovici lined up at QB and handed the ball off to Nelson, who drew most of the Lobo defenders. This allowed kicker Zane Gonzalez to sneak to the back of the end zone and catch the surprise pass from Nelson for the two point conversion.

3. With 6:07 left in the first quarter, Laiu Moeakiola pressured the Lobos QB to fumble, and ASU recovered the ball on the UNM 32 yard line. 3 plays and 32 seconds later, Taylor Kelly scores on a 12 yard TD run.

4. Following a Jordan Simone fumble recovery, true freshman Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage combined for a solid one-two punch on the next scoring drive. Ballage pounded the ball in from the one yard line for another Sun Devil score. ASU was in control early.

5. Midway through the second quarter, the Lobos finally got their offense on track with two more scores. On the next ASU possession, Taylor Kelly and Demario Richard botched the read option hand off and fumbled the ball.

The turnover added to the Lobos momentum, and ASU’s defense would rely upon Coach Grahams halftime adjustments if they were going to regain control of the day.

HALFTIME: ASU 32 – New Mexico 21

6. On the first play from scrimmage to start the second half, D.J. Foster sets the tone for ASU with a big breakthrough 50 yard run up the middle to put the Sun Devils in great field position.

7. A few plays later, Taylor Kelly throws a 24 yard TD pass to Jaelen Strong who out jumps two defenders to make a big touchdown grab. The Devils made an immediate statement that they were back on track.

8. Following another Lobos fumble a few minutes later, Kelly launched a 41 yard strike to Cameron Smith in stride for another Sun Devil touchdown. The score increased ASU’s lead to 45-21. ASU’s win over New Mexico was in the work.

9. With 8:14 left in the fourth quarter, D.J. Foster tacked on more yards to his career night with a 42 yard run down the sidelines. At the end of the play in true Foster fashion, he lowered his head on contact and blew up the defensive back.

10. With 4:00 left in the game, 17-year old ASU running back Demario Richard busted 46 yards through the middle for his first Sun Devil touchdown.

ASU’s win over New Mexico: DEVILS 58 – LOBOS 23