Tempe, AZ – There was plenty of hype heading into this nationally televised matchup between ASU and Wisconsin on ESPN. The fans blacked out the stadium and everyone was curious to see if the ASU defense could stop the Wisconsin running game, or if the Sun Devil high octane attack would be effective against the Badger defense. Here’s how things played out quarter by quarter.

Sun Devil fans blackout Sun Devil Stadium.

First Quarter

The Sun Devils put together a respectable opening drive as Taylor Kelly went 5 for 7 for 59 yards. However, the drive stalled out at the Wisconsin 3 yard line and ASU turned it over on downs. After that, both teams sparred back and forth throwing jabs, but nobody landed a solid punch.

The Devils finally got on the board with 4:08 left in the first quarter when Zane Gonzalez connected on a 34 yard field goal. The Badgers were driving to the ASU 40 yard line and eating up clock at the end of the first quarter. ASU had a total of 103 yards and Wisconsin was held to 31 yards. Devils lead 3-0.

Second Quarter

Wisconsin put together a 10 play drive that resulted in a 3 yard touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone from Joel Stave to Jacob Petersen. The Badgers took the lead 7-3 with 13:47 left in the second quarter.

On their next possession, the Sun Devils went three and out on another Richard Smith dropped pass. On the punt attempt, the snap was fumbled and Wisconsin recovered in the end zone for a score. Big mistake by the Devils and the Badgers led 14-3 with 12:53 left in the quarter.

The Devils needed to put together a solid drive and they did. Kelly was 5-5 and ASU drove 75 yards on 10 plays as Marion Grice ran it in from the one yard line. ASU cut the lead to 14-10 with just under 10 minutes left in the half. The Sun Devils got the ball back and put together their most impressive drive of the half, but couldn’t get in the end zone, settling for another Zane Gonzalez field goal.

Halftime Score: Wisconsin 14 – ASU 13

Third Quarter

Wisconsin received the second half kickoff and didn’t waste any time. On their first play from scrimmage, RB Melvin Gordon raced 80 yards for a Wisconsin score to increase their lead to 21-13.

Both teams traded possessions a few times, then the Sun Devils put together an 11 play 91 yard drive, capped off by a one yard touchdown run by Marion Grice. The two point conversion failed and ASU cut the lead to 21-19 at the end of the third quarter.

Fourth Quarter

The Badgers were the first to score again in the fourth quarter with a chip shot field goal to increase their lead to 24-19. Next possession, the Sun Devils marched down the field with the help of some big time catches from Jaelen Strong and DJ Foster. The gutsy drive was capped off by another short touchdown run by Marion Grice. ASU took the lead, but the two point conversion failed and ASU pulled ahead 25-24 with just under 12:00 minutes left in the game.

The Sun Devil defense held and gave the offense another chance on the next series and they didn’t disappoint. They put together another quick scoring drive capped off by a Marion Grice touchdown run, his fourth of the night. ASU extended their lead to 32-24 and seemed to be in control, but the Badgers wouldn’t go away.

They executed a brilliant fake punt to extend a drive, then ran it into the end zone to cut the ASU lead to 32-30. The two point conversion failed and the Devils got the ball back with 3:47 left.

Wisconsin had one last chance and got the ball back with 1:35 left, needed a miracle and they got one. After a 51 yard pass play got them down to the ASU 25, they set up for a chip shot field goal. Then something bizarre happened. The Badger QB Joel Stave ran a play, then placed the ball on the ground in what looked like a fumble. As the field goal unit tried to get on the field, time ran out and the Sun Devils escaped with a victory.

FINAL SCORE: ASU 32 – Wisconsin 30