#4 S Alden Darby and #3 DB Damarious Randall

Tempe, AZ – After hammering Colorado in Week 7, the Sun Devil football team headed into the Washington game on Homecoming Day with a true litmus at hand.

Halfway through the season, and entering the meat of the Pac-12 schedule, ASU got the chance to battle another Top 25 opponent, with an opportunity to prove they belong on the list.

Over 60,000 fans turned out to watch the Devils steadily rise to the challenge and dominate the #20 Washington Huskies, 53-24.

None of the pundits including DHD foresaw the Devils manhandling the Huskies, and most predictions had ASU or Washington defeating the other by few points.

As we do every week, we balance the results of what happened on Gameday with our pre-game DieHard Storyline. Here’s how it played out.

The ASU defense has struggled against some of the better rushing offenses in the country (Not against the Huskies).

#SunDevilPride

Graham will get his best defenders in position to make plays before (Bishop) Sankey can get a head of steam. Today, ASU’s Devil defense will be much more stout than recent weeks because of the return of ASU DT/NG Jaxon Hood.” – DieHard Storyline

It was the breakout game the ASU defensive line needed, and they stepped up big time.

On the final stat sheet, the Washington offense ran for -5 (yes, negative 5) on the ground. An incredible accomplishment against any opponent especially in the Pac-12, let alone the team featuring the top running back in the nation.

The Husky’s Bishop Sankey entered Sun Devil Stadium as the nations #1 back in the country with 909 yards in six games. ASU crashed the box all day, allowing Sankey only 22 yards by game’s end. He walked off Kush Field the #5 back in the nation.

Husky QB Keith Price is very effective when forced to improvise on broken plays. (Unless he is contained by the ASU defense).

“He is a true game-breaker if not accounted for at all times. Price’s Achilles heel: He’s been horribly inconsistent when pressured… something that ASU prides itself on.” – DieHard Storyline

All day, Carl Bradford & Company brought the heat on Husky QB, Kieth Price.

The Sun Devil defense brought the pressure and had Price on the run and on the ground for most of the game. With 4 broken pass plays and 7 sacks between six Sun Devil defenders, ASU contained one of the biggest threats for Washington. Price was banged up all day, and it seemed to have a big effect on his ability to make accurate throws and move around in the pocket.

Washington made no secret about their wish to stop the Oregon running game last week (There was no secret to stopping Marion Grice).

“The ASU offensive has not shown the propensity to own the line of scrimmage against the better rushing defenses they’ve faced thus far. Watch OC Mike Norvell emphasize ASU’s interior run game in order to keep those one-on-one match-ups outside alive.” – DieHard Storyline

What can you say about Marion Grice who continues to produce big numbers every week?

#1 leads the nation in scoring with 18 total touchdowns, 12 on the ground and 6 receiving. He posted 268 all-purpose yards on Saturday along with 3 TD’s. It’s important to remember that all that wouldn’t be possible without the big boys up front. The ASU offensive line had a great game against the Huskies.

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Image courtesy of ASU

Overall, this was an important statement game for the Sun Devils. The ASU defense made the biggest impression by shutting down Washington’ potent offense.

Taylor Kelly and ASU’s offense ran a staggering 93 plays, putting up 585 yards and 53 points. Moving forward, if they are supported by that type of effort by the Sun Devil defense, there are plenty of wins on the Maroon & Gold horizon.