San Diego State Aztecs Stun the Devils on Frank Kush Day

Mike Stockman
Phoenix Area Sports

ASU Coach Frank Kush (HC '58-'79)

TEMPE, ARIZONA (September 9, 2017) On Saturday evening, the Arizona State University Sun Devils honored former Coach Frank Kush (head coach '58-'79, .764, 176-54-1). It was not an honorable showing on the field when the San Diego State University Aztecs stunned and controlled the Devils in an embarrassing 30-20 defeat on September 9, at Sun Devil Stadium.

Coming into the game, the Devils led the series 10-0-1. This was another tough game for the Devils who have problems against rushing teams. This week the Aztecs were able to produce 281 yards rushing, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

In the first quarter, the Devils defense got two sacks to end the first drive of the Aztecs and force a punt. The Devils were unable to move the ball but were able to pin the Aztecs inside their one yard line on a perfectly placed punt by Michael Sleep-Dalton (redshirt-sophomore).

Fans were treated with halftime show honoring Frank Kush

On third down from the five yard line, Aztecs' running back Rashaad Penny sprinted 95 yards up the middle for a touchdown, giving the Aztecs an early lead and quieting the crowd. This was the third longest rush in Aztec school history. The Aztecs led 7-0.

On the last play of the first quarter, the Devils' Kalen Ballage scored on a one yard TD run, his third TD of the season. The score was tied 7-7.

On the first play of the second quarter, the Devils kick off to Penny who flew past Devils for a 99 yard kickoff return touchdown. This was Penny's sixth career kickoff return for touchdown, a school record and his second TD of the game, now 14-7.

The Aztecs were able to hold off the Devils and in the middle of the second quarter were able to add a 30 yard field goal to increase the score to 17-7 over the Devils.

With less than five minutes in the half, the Devils drove down field and scored on a five yard touchdown pass from Manny Wilkins to N'Keal Harry, making the score 17-14.

After holding the Devils deep in their territory, the Aztecs got the ball back and scored another field goal with :11 left in the half, 20-14.

Aztecs' Rashaad Penny scored 3 touchdowns in 30-20 win.

By half time, the Aztecs compiled 198 yards rushing, but only 28 yards passing due to the Devils' defense producing three sacks.

In the third quarter,  the Aztecs increase the lead when Penny added to his touchdown count by receiving a 22 yard touchdown pass making the score 27-14.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Aztecs extend the lead with a 32 yard field goal by John Baron, 30-14.

With 8:34 left in the game, the Devils were faced with a third down and 37.  Wilkins scrambled and chased out of pocket but was able to hit Frank Darby on a deep throw for a 53 yard touchdown, the biggest play of the night for the struggling Devil offense. The extra point attempt was missed making the final score 30-20.

After the game, Coach Todd Graham, with his head low, stated "this was not how we wanted to honor Frank Kush".

The Aztecs will host the Stanford Cardinal on September 16, at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on CBSSN.

The Devils travel to Lubbock for their first road game of the season to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders on September 16, at 5p.m. The game will be broadcasted on FSN.