Devils in Detail
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ASU Football: Looking back at the last four bowl games

By Trevor Booth

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Herm Edwards (L) and defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales of the Arizona State Sun Devils question the call of an official during the first half of a college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Herm Edwards (L) and defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales of the Arizona State Sun Devils question the call of an official during the first half of a college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 30: Rodney Hall #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs for touchdown on a reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the National University Holiday Bowl on December 30, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 30: Rodney Hall #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs for touchdown on a reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the National University Holiday Bowl on December 30, 2013 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

2013 Holiday Bowl: L vs. Texas Tech, 37-23

Following a Fight Hunger Bowl victory in Graham’s first season, the Sun Devils’ first double-digit win campaign since 2007 pitted them against the Red Raiders in San Diego.

However, the success hit a standstill. With first-year coach Kliff Kingsbury, quarterback Davis Webb and the “air raid” offense, the Red Raiders blitzed the Sun Devils with 484 yards of total offense in a 37-23 victory.

ASU never had control of the game. Webb hit Rodney Hall and Jakeem Grant for two touchdowns within the first 10 minutes, and while the Sun Devils cut the lead to seven twice, a larger response would seemingly always ensue.

The game’s highlight came in the third quarter. After a 44-yard rushing touchdown from ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly, the Red Raiders’ Reginald Davis returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to put TTU back up double digits.

Yes, ASU’s defense didn’t do them any favors, but a difficult night from Kelly also deserved some blame. He completed only 16 of his 29 passes paired with 125 passing yards and an interception. As a result, the Sun Devils had trouble moving into the redzone, settling for three field goals from Zane Gonzalez.

A fun fact for this game – former Heisman winner and No. 1 NFL Draft choice Baker Mayfield was on the Red Raiders’ roster.

The loss ASU’s was second consecutive after a 38-14 defeat to Stanford in the Pac-12 Championship Game. However, with Kelly, D.J. Foster and Jaelen Strong returning to school, heavy optimism carried over into 2018.

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