Stanford survives duel in the desert vs. Arizona State: 3 takeaways

The Stanford Cardinal picked up a big road Pac-12 win after a strong defensive showing against Herm Edwards’ Arizona State Sun Devils.

Arizona State and Stanford haven’t played against each other that much since the Pac-12 expanded back in 2011. When they played the past two meetings, they split and both teams winning the game by 10 points plus. When they come together it is always a sight to see.

In the Fourth Quarter Arizona State’s defense stepped up and made stops for their offense but in the end, the offense had several chances to tie the game but couldn’t execute. Stanford played exceptionally well throughout the last 45 minutes, they made plays when they needed and kept the ball away from the Sun Devils on several drives.

Arizona State is good but inconsistency and a slow start killed them

The Sun Devils came out with their hair on fire in the first half on defense, getting negative plays, stopping the run, swarming to the ball and deflecting passes. As the second half progressed they were sucking wind late in the third quarter. Stanford took advantage of the youth of the Sun Devils secondary throwing at them causing pass interference calls. On offense, they were able to move the ball through the air but they couldn’t turn those big plays into touchdowns. Manny Wilkins miss some key throws and that prevented them from keeping their drives going. He made some bad decisions with the ball and he cost them by turning the ball over two times, one on the ground and one through the air. Wilkins finished the game with 26 of 43 for 353 yards. The team stepped up in the fourth making plays on both sides but it was too late.

Stanford has found their mojo

Stanford has looked terrible their past two games on both sides of the ball from lack of scoring points to stopping teams from scoring. On offense, they were struggling to move the ball in the first Quarter but after that, they never looked back. Stanford was able to get back to their ways of pounding the ball and making the correct reads in the passing game. the offensive line played solid through the game only giving up one sack. K.J Costello picked them apart throwing the ball to his veteran receivers and letting them make plays in space. Costello went 22 of 29 for 231 yards and one touchdown on the night. JJ Arcega-Whiteside had seven catches for 91 yards.

Do not count out the Cardinal just yet

Bryce Love was out for two weeks with an ankle injury and only ran for 21 yards on 11 carries. The Cardinal have had to get used to playing without him looking like the Heisman finalist he did last year. Stanford is still alive for a spot in the Pac-12 Championship Game and they just got a big road win against one of their toughest remaining opponents. A Nov. 3 game with Washington looms large.