Territorial Cup Controversy #6 – The Fake Punt
In 1991, ASU was putting the finishing touches on an emphatic end to UA’s nine-game unbeaten streak against the Sun Devils when Larry Marmie, in his final game as ASU head coach, decided to call some trickery in the shadow of his team’s own endzone. Marmie’s decision dumped more fuel on a Duel in the Desert fire that was already brightly burning.
With the Sun Devils ahead 37-0 in the fourth quarter, the Sun Devil Stadium faithful was already itching to storm the field and celebrate the end to a decade of frustration. But on fourth down deep in ASU territory, Marmie called for a fake punt – and Sun Devil safety Jean Boyd took the ball all the way down the field for a touchdown.
Although the play was called back due to a penalty, the call incensed Wildcat Coach Dick Tomey – though Marmie later explained that he called the play out of respect for UA’s punt-blocking ability.
In fact, Marmie’s decision was validated after he did decide to punt the ball away following the penalty. The result: A blocked punt and a recovery in the ASU end zone for a touchdown for UA’s first score of the game.
The Devils won the game, 37-14 – and strategic or not, Marmie’s decision dumped more fuel on a Duel in the Desert fire that was already brightly burning.
Territorial quote: “I watched the replay since then many times, and to see Coach Tomey – the reaction to that happening and the words that came out of his mouth told you everything you needed to know about it.”
-ASU safety Jean Boyd (1991-93)
Shane Dale is the author “Territorial: The History of the Duel in the Desert.”
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