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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TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Taylor Kelly #10 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts after throwing a six yard touchdown reception to tight end Kody Kohl (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the college football game against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Devil Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Cougars 52-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Taylor Kelly #10 of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts after throwing a six yard touchdown reception to tight end Kody Kohl (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the college football game against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Devil Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Cougars 52-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2014 Sun Bowl: W vs. Duke, 36-31

Things didn’t go as hoped for ASU. After a Territorial Cup loss derailed a second straight Pac-12 South title, the Sun Devils were forced to travel to El Paso for the Sun Bowl.

Despite less implications, the game was a thriller.

After leading 20-3 late in the second quarter, ASU saw the Blue Devils go on a 28-10 run to take the lead with 5:03 remaining.

While anxiety was high, the team was stable. Then-freshman running back Demario Richard responded with a 4-yard receiving touchdown, giving ASU a lead they’d hold for the remainder of the game.

For his efforts, Richard was named the game’s MVP. He finished with 63 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. Kelly bounced back from a tough Holiday Bowl with 240 yards passing and two touchdowns, and Strong finished with 103 receiving yards off seven receptions.

Granted, this year could’ve been much more. With the College Football Playoff being introduced, some saw the Sun Devils as a dark horse contender. Even the next year with Mike Bercovici under center was a dud.

Regardless, this was Graham’s last bowl win as ASU’s coach. It’s ironic that at the time, it came in a season that concluded as disappointing.

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